A FORMER wartime sailor who has spent more than 50 years passing on his naval knowledge to York youngsters has been nominated for a major national award.

Sea Cadet Corps Lieutenant Cecil 'Tug' Wilson has been nominated for the National BT ChildLine Award by three members of York Sea Cadets.

Tug, 79, who worked at the Evening Press for 41 years, was put forward for the award by Petty Officer Cadet Steve Brown, Petty Officer Cadet Kristin Bryson and Able Cadet James Ireland, who attend the Skeldergate-based unit. He will head to London next week for a national selection day, where, as one of eight finalists, he is due to meet ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen.

Sub Lieutenant Caroline Meek, the unit's officer-in-charge, said: "For decades, Tug has been, and is, the backbone of the York Sea Cadet unit."

Tug said: "I am very pleased they have nominated me."

Updated: 16:24 Thursday, October 31, 2002