ROYAL Navy tradition dictates that a retiring sea cadet commanding officer should be carried out of the unit's building and should only ever go back in on invitation.

But Lt (SCC) Paul Robinson RNR, who handed over command of the Kendal Sea Cadet Unit this week, is something of a rarity and will not be waiting to be invited back.

Instead, Lt Robinson, of Milnthorpe Road, Kendal, remains committed to the sea cadets and will be second in command to Lt.

(SCC) (W) LSW Susan Ward RNR.

"It is very rare that anyone steps down because commanding officer is the highest you can go," said Lt Robinson, a self-employed decorator who is standing down to spend more time with his family and business.

Explaining his continued dedication to the unit, he said: "We have about 24 youngsters at the moment and they are some of the best in the country.

We've just had our annual inspection and I am really proud and pleased with them all - they performed brilliantly and were a credit to the uniform."

"I love it," he added.

"I wouldn't still be there after 23 years if I didn't."

Lt.

Robinson joined Kendal Sea Cadets at 11, and worked his way up to become PO Cadet - the highest rank for a cadet and then, after reaching 18, through the ranks to lieutenant.

After 12 years as an adult member, he was awarded his long service medal before finally becoming Officer in Charge.

Explaining his initial interest in the Sea Cadets, he said it offered opportunities which would otherwise have been out of his reach, such as extensive travel.

Lt.

Susan Ward has been involved in Kendal Sea Cadets for 20 years and has previously held the commanding office for three years.

"It is an honour to take the position," she said.

"The unit needed a commanding officer for all the work and I volunteered to take it up so the unit could continue in the good strength that it has.

"It gets into your blood and you get a lot of satisfaction and rewards from the youngsters and members of the public."

Lt Ward has been awarded the Sea Cadet Medal, the highest honour available to her, and will be presented it at the Trafalgar Day parade in London on October 22.