THE Devon district sea cadets’ annual seamanship and mechanical engineering competition, held at the Teignmouth Community School on Sunday, was a triumph for local youngsters.

The event was organised by the TS Canonteign Teign Valley unit, and seven teams with more than 60 cadets took part, supported by more than 20 instructors, and district and support staff.

The seamanship competition was held at six locations across the school site, with each team completing six half-hour practical and theory tests, covering core maritime seamanship skills.

Months of preparation by the Teign Valley instructors paid off when the results were announced – the unit secured first place with a score of 98 per cent, believed to be the highest score yet in the competition.

The team now go to the south west area finals in Bristol on November 15, representing Devon against district teams from all the counties between Birmingham and Cornwall.

Teignmouth councillor June Green, chairman of TS Canonteign Trust, said: ‘It was a pleasure to be present to see so many young people from all over Devon looking very smart and enjoying themselves.

‘It was fantastic to see the faces of our team of six when it was announced they had won. The long hours and hard work put into achieving this excellent result is something they should be truly proud of.’

The winning are pictured below0 being presented with their medals and certificate by Devon District Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Carol Rashleigh RNR.