THE second phase of an appeal to help fund the activities of North-East cadets was launched at the weekend.

Dignitaries, including Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson, County Durham Lord Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson, and Viscount Ridley gathered at HMS Trincomalee, in Hartlepool, for Saturday's event.

They were entertained by cadet displays, including sailing, canoeing and Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, before Sir Paul outlined the purpose of the appeal.

It follows the setting up of the North of England Cadet Forces' Trust by Lord Ridley, in 1998.

The trust's aim was to raise £500,000 to help 5,000 young members of the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and the Air Training Corps. Almost £250,000 was raised, and the latest appeal hopes to build on that success.

While the Ministry of Defence provides some funding for cadets, many activities have to be self-financed. As a result, some young people are unable to take part.

The cadets undertake their own fundraising activities, such as bag packing in supermarkets.

With the help of local businesses, councils, charitable trusts and individuals, they hope to reach their target within two years.

A spokesman for the appeal said: "The training our cadets receive consists of much more than military skills. It develops respect for others, self-respect, reliability and self-discipline."