A sea cadets group in Clapton has been included in a national trial to recruit children as young as nine into the organisation.

Clapton and Hackney Sea Cadets currently caters to youngsters aged 10 to 18, like all other groups in the country. But now a Youth United Foundation sponsored trial will see kids a year younger allowed to join.

An open evening being held tomorrow will give the children and their parents a chance to see what the cadets are all about.

Petty officer Christine Weston said: “We would love to get lots of interest in this event and it would be great for the local community too - encouraging more youths into some form of group.

“In light of the recent stabbing of a teenager just up the road from our unit, I feel it is so important to try and engage our youth from an early age and perhaps prevent this sort of thing happening.”

The event takes place at the base in Spring Lane, Big Hill from 6pm to 8pm.