On October 10, I attended the local Sea Cadets Annual Royal Navy Inspection by a senior Royal Marine officer at the local Sea Cadet headquarters in Brighton.

As special guests, Brighton's Mayor and Mayoress also attended and who, with much enthusiasm, joined in with some of the events.

They proved popular with the cadets and the other guests, even posing for photos with cadets and their families.

One demonstration consisted of the young cadets signalling with flags. One couldn't help but be impressed with their knowledge at such a young age.

As a former regular serviceman, it was obvious the hard work put in by the instructing officers and the kindness they showed to the boy and girl cadets.

I am sure there are many senior Brighton citizens, who, like me, can remember Sunday mornings long ago, when the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Training Corps marched along Grand Parade to the seafront, returning along London Road via the Steine with their musical instruments, to the beat of drums and the blare of bugles.

They used to be followed by many appreciative bystanders, me among them.

What prompted my recollection of those cheery, bygone days was the demonstration of the cadet's band during the course of the evening, which gave an excellent performance.

I felt like marching once again - oh for the return of that bygone age.

I must not end without a special mention of the parents and behind-the-scenes workers who put on an excellent buffet to conclude a successful evening.

Congratulations to the captain and his staff for their happy ship.

-A J Barrow, Brighton