Preston Sea Cadets won a national competition to have their headquarters on Strand Road repainted by Dulux.

The competition saw members of the public able to vote for which community building they thought needed a lick of new paint, and the Sea Cadets won the Granada TV region vote.

On Tuesday 15th September 2009 a team of expert painters from Dulux, sea cadets and community volunteers joined together to repaint the old grey headquarters and inject some colour into the building.

Commanding Officer, Gail M. Speariett, was thrilled to win the competition and hopes the repainting will attract more people to get involved with the Sea Cadets:

What a fantastic opportunity. Our building was originally a hospital in the First World War on Moor Park, Preston before moving to its present site on Strand Road, Preston. Now almost 100 years old, our Sea Cadet Headquarters needed brightening up to attract more young people and adult volunteers. Its just overwhelming the support we have had from the people of Preston, the Sea Cadets, friends and family. I really would like to thank all of them for their support. I have received so many kind emails of encouragement.

All day everyone was so enthusiastic and worked so hard painting. Not forgetting the people who worked hard in the galley (kitchen) providing drinks, sandwiches and cakes. The day was phenomenal everyone helped transform our tired grey Preston Sea Cadet Headquarters to a bright but warm and inviting building.

It’s just unbelievable how a few coats of paint have transformed our building. Without Dulux and The Sun we would never have achieved this!