CADETS from Pershore sea cadets have been offshore for the first time.

Pershore High School student Charlotte Drinkwater, aged 15, from Inkberrow was among those who voyaged offshore on T.S Jack Petchey, one of the Sea Cadet Corp’s power-training ships.

The ship left harbour from Gosport and sailed around the south coast, calling at port on the Isle of Wight, Poole and Portland before reaching its final harbour at Weymouth.

Charlotte, who has been a sea cadet at T.S. Scimitar, Pershore for nearly two years, said: “It was lovely and sunny but very rocky at times.

"Although the senior officers on board were all adults, the rest of the crew were made up of cadets, like me and my sister Steph who was also on board.

"During the week we learned many of the skills required when living and working on board ship.

"I really liked steering the ship but also enjoyed other things such as chart work and making sure the ropes were in the right place at the right time.

"I was very surprised about how interesting it was when we went down to the engine room and learned how the ship worked.

"I would now love to be an engineer when I leave school.

"It wasn’t always easy.

"Even when the ship was super rocky we and we felt seasick we still had to get on and do the jobs.

"There were no excuses.

"But we did make lots of new friends from across the country.

"At times we needed them to help us through the difficult times.

"Our trip was also very important for our unit as this is the first time cadets from the Pershore have been offshore.”

Officer in Charge, Lieutenant Theresa Heeks, said: “The girls have come back full of confidence and now really appreciate the value of teamwork when at sea.

"As this is such a valuable experience for our young cadets, we plan to send many more offshore in the future.”