NEWTON Sea Cadets are holding a 'colour blessing' ceremony at Earlestown Market Square this Sunday in memory of former member Olga Thomson.

The much-loved chairman from Cross Lane in Earlestown died in September 2000, aged 65.

A fundraising night in her memory helped purchase the sea cadet's flag standard, which will be blessed by unit chaplain the Rev Leslie McClusky in the service.

Newton Sea Cadets vice-chairman, Janet Shelton, said: "Olga was incredible with children, she did wonders for them and she was a big loss.

"Olga kept the unit going through her fundraising activities and was then able to send cadets on training courses, one of them a week's sailing aboard the TS Royalist.

"This was through local sponsorships, whose help we still receive today."

Originally from Moreton, in Wirral, the former deputy head teacher in Delamere became principal of Mere House special unit in Newton in 1971.

A motor sport enthusiast, the principal became the first female circuit marshal at Oulton Park racing circuit in the early 1960s and in 1978 won the British Automobile Racing Club marshal of the year award.

Her dedicated involvement in community affairs saw her become secretary of the nearby National Association Women's Club branch and vice chairman of the voluntary youth services group, St Helens Youth Matters.

The parade will leave the unit on Cross Lane at 2pm and meet on Earlestown Market Square at 2.15pm for the ceremony.

Any present or past cadets are welcome, along with anyone that had the privilege of knowing