A STALWART of Trowbridge Sea Cadets received a surprise this week when he was given a Golden Jubilee award for his service to the group.

Chief Petty Officer Jim Giles was rewarded for years of hard work training the sea cadets at their base in Frome Road, Trow-bridge.

CPO Giles said: "I did not know anything about the award, and was completely surprised when they presented it to me at parade training."

CPO Giles joined the Navy in 1937 and did many tours of duty all over the world before left the service. He then began applying his years of experience to Sea Cadet training.

CPO Giles said: "I really enjoy working with the youngsters since they are so enthusiastic.

"They are also not afraid to put in the hours of hard work they need to in order to get things right."

His commanding officer put him forward for the long service award.

The cadets are trained in all the skills that life in the navy entails, and last year they had a key role in the Queens Jubilee parade.