Officer Cadets from Lightning Division at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) have given two days of their time to Rowcroft Hospice as they complete the outreach element of their course.
The Cadets spent time at the hospice retail department's central Distribution Centre in Newton Abbot, where they helped drivers unload and pack vans full of donations.
They also hung and sorted through donated clothing, helped build beds and packed them down for collection and assisted in the hospice's Furniture Outlet and eBay shopping site.
They spent the second day supporting the hospice's fundraising team, holding a bucket collection and helping to pack shopping bags at Marks and Spencer's in The Willows, Torquay.
Officer Cadet James Shilling said: "Rowcroft Hospice seemed an excellent charity to support because of the area it covers and the huge amount it gives back to the local community.
“The Navy has taught us to look after communities, and as we are training and living in Dartmouth we wanted to give back to the South Devon community as a thank you for supporting us."
Officer Cadet Katherine Butler said: "I have never worked or volunteered before and I am really amazed at the quality of products and donations that Rowcroft has been given, and how everyone is so friendly and happy here at the Distribution Centre.
“I'm really pleased to be able to make a difference and help for the two days we are here - plus I get to shop and look for an outfit for myself!"
Manager of Rowcroft's Distribution Centre, Paul O'Callaghan, added: "During the two days the naval cadets were with us they processed over 1,000 items of clothes, packed over 200 recycling bags, sorted out our tool area and metal areas and assisted in various moves of larger items.
“We estimate the value of this help to be worth over £2,500, saving us over 100 man hours. On a personal note they were great to have around!
“I would have them back any day to help us again - they were a great bunch of guys and left smiling and happy to have helped."
Each group is required to undertake a project in the community during their time at BRNC as a way of testing their leadership, organisational and communication skills outside of the Naval environment.
Other Cadets from BRNC conducted their outreach project at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, where they gave their time helping the keepers look after the animals
