YOUNGSTERS were treated to an afternoon of sailing adventure.

A group of 12 pupils from Wix and Wrabness Primary School and Mistley Norman Primary School went to Hamford Water on Tuesday, May 21.

It was the first of a series of sail experiences financed by the Stour-based water sports charity My Blue Pass, from Manningtree.

The children enjoyed near perfect conditions as they set sail and explored the backwaters aboard a Drascombe Lugger.

They saw colonies of seals basking in the sunshine, learned about the marine life and set the sails and took the helm.

James Newell, Wix and Wrabness Primary School headmaster, who was on board himself said: "The pupils we took had the time of their lives and were thrilled at being at sea and enjoying an afternoon out of the classroom."

Garron Baines, chairman of My Blue Pass, said: "It was so heartening seeing the pupils having so much fun on the water and delivers our mission to provide free water sports opportunities for the community, especially those who would not normal get the chance.

"We are delivering a full programme of activities this summer on the Stour and nearby including dinghy sail taster sessions, kayaking and paddle boarding."

The charity's launch event was Beach Boat Bash at Manningtree on May 4 where 80 youngsters took to the water on a variety of craft.