BOLTON'S Marine Cadet Detachment left fellow competitors all at sea when they won the national Gibraltar Cup with the biggest margin on record. The cadets scored top marks in the prestigious contest after impressing Royal Marine Major Ian McCullough with their long list of achievements. The competition is staged each year as six detachments from across the country compete for the coveted trophy.

The 19 Bolton Marine Cadets had to take part in a ceremonial parade as the high ranking officer inspected for smartness and bearing.

They also performed a drill, staged displays and took part in a quiz.

Their community work with local elderly people was also a major factor in their triumph.

The marine detachment, part of the town's successful Sea Cadets youth organisation, won hands down - a first for the town.

It is the first time in the history of the competition that winners have won by a seven point margin.

Lieutenant Brian Stubbs, officer in charge of the Bolton Sea Cadets, said: "We are very pleased and proud to have achieved this record. The Marines have been strongly supported by the whole unit."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.