BIG celebrations are planned by Llanelli Sea Cadets next year to mark their 70th anniversary.

It was in 1942 that the town of Llanelli rallied together to raise more than £300,000 (equating to millions today) to help sponsor a warship in the Second World War. Cadets spokesman Paul Jenkins said: "Out of these efforts, the town's support helped create a Sea Cadet unit."

The ship was named HMS Echo, and the town was its official sponsor — hence the Cadets having the name TS Echo. Mr Jenkins said: "We have two aims next year — the first being to commemorate our 70 years of existence as a charity, and second, helping to remind the townsfolk of the amazing feat they all did, when they pulled together and helped raise millions."

The plan now is to hold a series of events such as shows and parades. Mr Jenkins urged town businesses to give support by making the Cadets their 2012 charity of the year.

"This is something we are really hoping will kick off a big interest in town."