Brighton's Sea Cadet unit faces closure after 70 years because of a cash crisis.

It needs £16,000 for running costs and urgent repairs to its base in Brewer Street after missing out on several bids for charity grants.

The unit, which has been based in the Benson Hall for 70 years, was set up by the widow of a Lieutenant Commander Benson, a long-standing member of the Sussex Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

The hall had previously been used as a tannery and as a garage for horse-drawn carriages.

In recent years, the unit has raised more than £20,000 to install new shower blocks and toilets, a wardroom and a galley.

However, vital roof repairs are now needed, as are insulation improvements and the provision of disabled access.

Organisers fear the amount of work needed to upgrade the centre is putting the future of the unit at serious risk.

The Reverend Beaumont Brandy, who has been working with the unit for 26 years, said: "On top of the £4,000-a-year running costs, we probably need about £12,000 to restore the building to tip-top condition.

"Unfortunately the spending doesn't end with the building work.

"There are all the extra costs like insurance and maintenance which are difficult to find. It is an ongoing struggle.

"To lose this unique way of helping kids have fun while gaining experience of team-building would be horrendous."

Mr Brandy, the unit's chaplain and vicar of the nearby St Martin's Church, added: "Setting up the unit in memory of Commander Benson was a visionary thing to do. We just want to be faithful to that trust."

The unit organises sailing trips for members, as well as running a marching band which performs across the city, including at the annual Armistice Day commemorations.

John Halls, a member of the unit's building committee, said: "To see that band in action is so inspiring.

"Every bid we've made for grants or National Lottery funding has failed.

"If we don't do some serious fund-raising now, there's a big possibility the unit could fold."

The unit has about 40 members, mostly drawn from Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb.

They aim to raise at least £1,000 with a car boot sale at Brighton Marina, hosted by the marina's yacht club, on July 26 between 10am and 1pm.

Cabaret acts One Night Stand and Blind Billie Jones have agreed to waive appearance fees to perform from 3pm.

For more information about the cadets, call 01273 620572.