A WORCESTER family is due to weigh anchor after 23,000 miles on the high seas when they sail into the Falkland Islands tomorrow.

Teacher Alison Davies, partner Andrez Short and their two-year-old son Thomas have taken eight months to complete the epic voyage from the United Kingdom.

But their journey originally started more than two years ago when they first sailed out of the Falklands - where they had both been working - on what was destined to be the journey of a lifetime.

The couple first hit the Evening News headlines back in May 2000, when Miss Davies's 65-year-old father, Mervyn, embarked on his first sailing trip - across the Atlantic.

Mr Davies was forced to take over from his 39-year-old daughter when she discovered she was pregnant and had to fly back to the family home in Lavender Road, Barbourne, following the birth.

This left her 45-year-old partner alone in Trinidad and Tobago, which prompted her retired father to fly out and help sail the 30ft yacht Alpha Carinae all the way to Swansea.

The couple had been hoping to continue with Thomas, but he was poorly and needed treatment back in Britain.

Although this delayed the journey back to the Falklands, the family eventually left last November and are due to sail into Stanley tomorrow.

"It has been quite a journey," said Alison's proud mother Jean Davies. "Thomas has taken to sailing like a duck to water and both Alison and Andrez have taken it all in their stride as they are pretty laid back.

"The islanders have arranged a surprise reception party to welcome them back as it's been three years since they left its shores.

"Prior to leaving for the Falklands, they sailed up to the Arctic Circle which was one of the highlights of their trip.

"They then returned to Worcester for a couple of weeks, where they stocked up with food, before embarking on their voyage back to the Falklands, where they will now be making their home.

"Mervyn and I were thinking of flying out to greet them from the jetty but our plan didn't work out.

"We have been keeping in touch with them via email and telephone and look forward to hearing they have arrived safe after such a long journey."