A BRANCH of the sea cadets has had a piece of maritime history restored on national television.

Jordan Aspin took the Barrow Sea Cadets' marching bass drum in to a BBC show.

The Repair Shop, which airs on BBC One, began in 2017 and has grown to become one of the most loved daytime shows.

Expert craftsmen pool their talents and resources to restore heirlooms and treasured antiques, such as music boxes, vases and clocks, to prove that anything can be restored to its former glory.

Mr Aspin explained that the drum had been sitting at the back of the band room for 60 years.

He said: "No-one knew what to do with it.

"It is a lovely item - but as a drum, it's useless."

He has been involved with the Sea Cadets for the last 25 years as a drummer.

During a parade, the bass drum sets the pace of the music and marching.

If the drummer speeds up, so does the marching and vice versa.

He said: "The Barrow unit will be 90 years old in two years time.

"It would be nice to have part of its history restored to be able to take it out on remembrance Sunday and civic parades.

"I want to give something back because I wouldn't be where I am today without their skills and teachings."

He gave it over to The Repair Shop's percussion expert Pete Woods to fix up.

Mr Woods actually got his first job at the very same manufacturers in London that produced the drum - thought some time later than when it was produced.

He explained that the drum would need a new skin, as well as a belt for the musician to strap to themselves.

It also needed a fresh lick of paint to bring it up to scratch.

After being handed it back, Mr Aspin was astonished.

He said: "I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't know it was going to be that good."

Niyall Phillips, First Lieutenant of Barrow Sea Cadets, said: "It's been returned to us in a brilliant condition."

"It's surpassed our expectations. We'll definitely be using the drum in future parades.

"It's great we were able to give Barrow Sea Cadets some recognition on TV too."