EVERY club and pub on Teesside has been thrown a challenge in a drive to help raise £650,000 to revamp a youth group's new headquarters.

Middlesbrough Sea Cadets unit is facing the task of raising the large sum, but is hoping licensed premises across the area will lend a helping hand.

The cadet group, named TS Marlborough, has been given planning permission to transform East Lodge, in the town's Albert Park, which will enable it to take additional and disabled members.

However, the bulding needs a large amount of work, and an extension, to bring it up to the required standard, so that Sea Cadets can train, drill, learn and practise their teamwork skills.

Unit chairwoman Liz Chambers said fundraising began two months ago and they have raised £36,000.

However, she said, much more is needed.

"People are always moaning that kids and young people don't do anything, but good causes like the Sea Cadets need supporting," she said.

"We have 20 members now - young people aged between ten and 18 - but once we have a new base, we will be able to take many more. We are a registered charity, so we really need the community's support.

"If every pub and club in the area took one or two of our collection tins, we could raise the money so much more quickly. They could even do a raffle for us."

The unit began in Middlesbrough on September 14, 1942, and will mark its 65th birthday with fundraising activities.

On Thursday, September 13, the Bishop of Whitby will conduct a service in which TS Marlborough will revert to its original name of TS Erimus and be affiliated to the town of Middlesbrough.

On Sunday, September 16, the unit will organise a Battle of Britain event near the cenotaph in Albert Park, from 11.20am.

"We are appealing for as many people as possible to support us, so we can get a permanent base that enables us to take more youngsters and children with disabilities," said Mrs Chambers.

To assist or buy tickets to a fundraising evening at the Royal British Legion, in Park Road North, Middlesbrough, from 7pm on September 24, call Mrs Chambers on 07708-020128, or Sue Nicholson 07865-007664. Tickets for the night cost £1