YOUNGSTERS at one Ivybridge school were treated to a special performance from a former pupil before Christmas.

The Corps of Drums from the Plymouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps visited Stowford School, giving a performance in the morning before running workshops for some of the older children.

Ivybridge lad Nathan Brown is a former pupil of the school who now belongs to the unit, and as headteacher Helen Tipping said, he is following in his father’s footsteps.

She said: ‘It was an amazing opportunity and the children enjoyed every minute of it. All of them, from our very youngest Foundation pupils through to our Year 6 children, were mesmerised during the morning performance on the playground.

‘When Nathan was a pupil at the school his father brought his fellow naval musicians in to perform for the children, so it was lovely that Nathan wanted to create the opportunity for our current pupils.’

Formed in 1904, The Plymouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps, is one of the oldest cadet units in the country. Originally named the Royal Marines Boys Corps, it was open only to the sons of serving Royal Marines until 1922, when it was made available to all.

In 1979 the organisation adopted its current title The Royal Marines Volunteer Cadets Corps, and girls were admitted for the first time.

The Corps of Drums is an integral part of the unit and, while some of its members have a musical background, the majority are trained from the ground up.

The unit meets at Royal Marines Barracks Stonehouse on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and recruit boys and girls from 10 to 16 years. To join, phone 01752 836367, or email [email protected].