A WEST Dorset group of sea cadets has been helped with funding for a mini bus by a local housing association.

Bridport Sea Cadets has received a donation of £1,500 from Magna Housing's Community Initiative Fund (CIF) to help with the running costs of their mini bus.

The donation follows a successful application by Ray Hawgood, vice chairman of the Bridport Sea Cadets.

Mr Hawgood said: "Due to financial difficulties, the Bridport Sea Cadets; mini bus has been taken off the road.

"I wrote to several local businesses in an attempt to raise funds, and luckily Magna were happy to help us."

The cadets are now able to enjoy rowing at West Bay and other activities now the mini bus is once again up and running.

“The mini bus is invaluable to us," added Mr Hawgood.

"Since we received the donation, we have been able to ferry the cadets to West Bay for rowing lessons and weekend camp in Somerset.

"Many more trips can now be planned thanks to Magna’s generous donation.”

Magna were happy to provide funding for the 'fantastic' organisation.

Brenda Bartlett, Magna resident and member of the CIF forum, said: “The Bridport Sea Cadets is a fantastic local group for children.

"Magna has a lot of residents in Bridport, including families with young children, and we want to support the communities we are based in. Our CIF forum of residents agreed we should support this group.”

Cadets have been trained in Bridport and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. Recently, Bridport Sea Cadets have been lucky enough to be invited aboard Royal Naval ships, submarines and Royal Fleet support vessels, including participation in training exercises aboard HMS Bulwark, and the dedication ceremony of RFA Lyme Bay, one of the group's affiliated ships.

Magna is appealing for anyone with ideas for a community project or an area that could be improved to find out whether it may qualify for CIF funding.

For more information or to apply for CIF funding, please contact community investment officer at Magna Ken Bodycombe by calling 01305 216095 or email ken.bodycombe@magna.org.uk