A STUDENT has been thrown a lifeline by her college to allow her to sail with the tall ships.

A-level student Kelly Barwick, 17, of Billingham, will be setting sail with the Millennium Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race on Monday, despite her sponsorship efforts hitting stormy waters.

Students of Stockton and Billingham College were offered the chance to join the crew of Barry Nelson's boat Black Diamond on the final leg of the race, but would-be sailors had to raise £550 sponsorship.

After sending out more than 100 letters requesting sponsorship, Kelly received only £25.

Then college principal Margaret Armstrong offered to sponsor Kelly for the entire amount.

Kelly said: "I'm so grateful to the college for giving me this chance. I had lost all hope of being able to joining the Tall Ships Race and I even told Barry Nelson I couldn't go on his boat.

Sonia Nelson, Barry Nelson's wife, said: "Kelly is lucky to have such a supportive college. She was so disappointed when she thought she couldn't go."

The yacht will meet with the rest of the fleet to sail from Hartlepool to Amsterdam and back. Black Diamond has already sailed round the Baltic in the race.

Mrs Armstrong said: "This is the first time the college has sponsored a student for this. Kelly was so excited and it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so we couldn't resist.'