FOUR sea cadets have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to sail on a globe-trotting tall ship.
TS Royalist arrived in Hartlepool Marina on Thursday to pick up local teenagers Roger Hodgman, Clare Armitage, Zoe Lister and Lewis Wright.
The 80ft vessel, a training ship for the Marine Society and Sea Cadet Corps, set sail with them yesterday on a training voyage to Dundee.
Built in 1971 and based in Portsmouth, she is a regular competitor in the European legs of the Tall Ships Race, for which Hartlepool will be a host in 2010.
Eric Priest, chairman of Hartlepool Sea Cadet Corps, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for our cadets to sample life at sea and learn the skills and disciplines of maritime life."
During the stay in Hartlepool, the Royalist's Captain, Colin Watkins, and crew were welcomed at a reception hosted by Hartlepool Council on board HMS Trincomalee.
Councillor Victor Tumilty, Hartlepool Council cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "We were delighted to welcome the Royalist to Hartlepool and I hope the young people have a fascinating and exciting voyage."
For more information about the sea cadets, contact chief petty officer Steven Harvey on 01429-272284.
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