VOLUNTEERS will be patrolling the Teign estuary to help boat users.

They are part of a new scheme set up by Teignbridge Sea Cadets, and 14 adult volunteers, many former or serving members of the armed forces, are to be inducted as harbour assistants, working under the direction and control of harbourmaster Cmdr David Vaughan.

TS?Canonteign Sea Cadets' chairman of trustees Nick Maylam emphasised they were not an emergency service.

'They will provide an emergency response, and are primarily there to deliver a community safety message to boat owners, users of the estuary, holidaymakers, and particularly young people.

'The emphasis will be on safe use of the water and slipways, crime prevention and marine safety.

'Uniquely, safety input will be delivered by the cadets and students as part of their training for Duke of Edinburgh and public services diplomas. Messages will be delivered through leaflets, and talking to their peer groups at our local affiliated schools, and attending interested organisations to give presentations.

'At the same time, they will also undertake marine training on boats and yachts within the harbour area as part of the sea cadet training syllabus. It is intended as many children as possible will have the opportunity to be involved, particularly out of school hours and in the holidays.

'This is a unique and innovative project which we believe is an example of Big Society working at local level,' Mr Maylam pointed out.

Temporary accommodation will be situated at the Polly Steps slipway in the summer, courtesy of Teignbridge Council.

The signing of the deal involving the sea cadets, the harbour commission, the police, Teignbridge and other bodies took place at a ceremony at Teignmouth Community College on Saturday.

Four boats involved in the project were named by the High Sheriff of Devon, the Hon Elizabeth d'Erlanger, at a service of dedication.

The cadets and staff have been fundraising in the last year to buy and refurbish the four rigid inflatable dory boats, and a great deal of work was put in to bring them up to standard for safety work. The project was awarded a £10,000 Awards for All lottery grant to pay for new engines, training the volunteers to RYA safety levels, and protection and safety kit.