'It would be really cool' - Sea Cadets back campaign for new HMS Sheffield
Sea Cadets in the city have backed the campaign for a new HMS Sheffield, saying it would be 'cool', a source of 'pride' and a 'boost' for the region.
The Sheffield branch of the youth organisation is flourishing, with more than 100 members across the Junior Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets.
Its chairman, Councillor Terry Fox, is firmly behind the bid to get one of the Navy's new submarine hunters named after the city.
The cadets play a key role in the city's annual commemoration for those killed on board the second HMS Sheffield when it was hit by a missile during the Falklands War, and several training officers at the branch served on that ship or its successor.
Coun Fox said: "The commissioning of a new HMS Sheffield would be a great honour for the city and the Sheffield Sea & Royal Marines Cadets.
His words were echoed by the cadets, who meet each week at the branch's Falkland Training Centre, at the top of Rutland Road, in Pitsmoor.
Junior Sea Cadet Molly Webster joined a year-and-a-half ago and has enjoyed taking part in numerous activities including creating wildlife shelters for hedgehogs and other creatures.
Royal Marines Cadet Rhys Howcutt helped his unit finish in the top six out of some 400 competing in the Gibraltar Cup, an annual test of cadets' all-round skills which includes pulling a Land Rover.
The 17-year-old, of Jordanthorpe, said: "It would give cadets a real sense of pride being able to step on board an HMS Sheffield again and becoming part of that tradition."
The 13-year-old, from Pitsmoor, said: "It would mean a lot to cadets being able to go on board an HMS Sheffield, and it would also raise the profile of the city and provide an economic boost for the region."
Able Cadet Tom Gregory is a keen sailor and in 2016 won the prestigious Peregrine Trophy for the best photo by a cadet.
The 16-year-old, from Handsworth, said: "I've taken part in the HMS Sheffield commemorative parades over the last four years, which helps me appreciate just how much having another HMS Sheffield would mean to cadets and to the city as a whole."
The Navy has announced plans for eight new Type 26 frigates, the first of which are already being built.
The first three have been named after Glasgow, Belfast and Cardiff, leaving five slots available for other cities.
