Two cadets were selected to sail on the sea cadets training ship T.S.Royalist as part of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant.

Able Cadet Nick Baker and Able Cadet Ashley Spong, both 14 from the Hornchurch and Upminster TS Hurricane Sea Cadet Unit, were aboard the ship when it was moored opposite the Queen on The Spirit of Chartwell.

Each cadet was given a Boatswain’s Call which is a whistle used by the Royal Navy to welcome Royals and VIP’s on board the ship on special occasions.

Able Cadet Nick Baker, said “It was an honour to be part of the flotilla and although it was raining we still had a great time especially seeing the Queen and the Royal Barge.”

The two cadets are experienced in using the Boatswain’s Call and were given special pipes to remember the event. Each pipe is engraved with T.S. ROYALIST 2012 , QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE, DONATED BY THE SQUARE RIGGERS CLUB.

The formal river procession was the largest and grandest pageant since the reign of Charles II with around 1000 boats as part of the flotilla.

After the momentous event, the cadets set sail for Dover and spent a week sailing along the Kent coast.

The 70th anniversary of the unit is coming up and former cadets are encouraged to get in contact on 01708 555184.