PLANS to provide a new cadet centre in Tromode have received a boost thanks to a £20,000 donation from the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (NW RFCA).

The contribution, handed over by Colonel Gerry Wells-Cole OBE DL the chief executive of NW RCA, will help to fun the replacement of the MacFadyen Cadet Centre at Tromode.

The building, formally a fire safety building, has acted as a training facility for the Island's cadets but has now reached the end of its useful life.

Plans for a new purpose built facility are now being processed by the Department of Home Affairs which provides annual funding to assist the running of the Island’s four cadet organisations, their buildings, and vehicles.

Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK said: "The department is extremely grateful to NW RFCA and Colonel Wells-Cole for this welcome offer of support.

"The cadet movement in the Isle of Man provides excellent opportunities for our young people to take part in adventurous activities and develops powers of leadership, responsibility, self-reliance and resourcefulness. I'm sure that when the new centre is completed it will be put to good use for many years to come."

Colonel Wells-Cole, a former Royal Marine, said: "It is extremely encouraging to see such a strong and active cadet movement in the Isle of Man. The North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadet Association is delighted to join forces with the Department of Home Affairs to fund the provision of a building that will be used by current and future generations of cadets in the Island."

There are more than 220 cadets and a number of volunteer officers in the Island's four cadet organisations – the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps.