Teen cadet's pride in D-Day veteran trip to France

A boy in cadet uniform
L/Cpl Jacob Brady was chosen for the D-Day trip [BBC]

A teenage sea cadet has spoken of the pride he felt leading veterans across the channel to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Lance Corporal Jacob Brady, 15, from Whitley Bay Sea Cadets, was one of a handful of young cadets from across the country chosen for the trip.

He said it was "massively important" to take part in the event, which led veterans across the channel in a training vessel.

Jacob added: "It carries on their legacy, and we can learn and pass on their stories in the future."

The lance corporal's group was part of a number of parades and memorial services taking place to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings.

They travelled from Portsmouth to Pegasus Bridge in Normandy, France.

A ship
Jacob sailed to Normandy as part of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings [BBC]

Sub Lt Stephen Johnston, of Whitley Bay Sea Cadets, said the trip was a great achievement for the youngster, who dreamt of joining the Marines when he was older.

"To be on the flagship TS Royalist, one of the few square rigged ships sailing about that young people have access to, it makes it even more special," he said.

"And obviously coinciding with all the events over in France, it's just outstanding."

A boy in uniform standing by a mast
L/Cpl Jacob Brady dreams of joining the Marines when he is older [BBC]

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