A group of Elm Park sea cadets were amazed to see a star board their “main deck” during an award ceremony.

Olympic rowing champion and London 2012 silver medallist Mark Hunter MBE made waves when he arrived at the TS Hurricane sea cadet unit, based in Wood Lane, to help dish out awards at the unit’s annual prize giving.

He was joined by his brother Ross, who holds the Doggets Coat and Badge Award – which means he formally escorts the Queen whenever she is on the river.

Proud parents were joined on the “main deck” – which is what the cadets call their meeting hall – by Havering Mayor Cllr Lynden Thorpe and local councillor Jeff Tucker at the event yesterday (Tuesday).

They looked on as the brothers handed out prizes for rowing, sailing, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and other achievements.