THE 5th Worcester Sea Scout Group has officially launched its Jubilee year of events.

Stuart Robinson, assistant cub leader, said the aim of the 60th anniversary year is to make sure the 60 to 70 boys and girls who are members of the group's Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, have as much fun as possible.

He said: "We are looking to get them all together for a big camp. There will also be water days at the reservoir at Upton Warren."

The 5th Worcester Scout Group, in Park View Terrace, Barbourne, is the only Sea Scout group based in the city. It was formed in the autumn of 1946 when St George's Z Group Sea Section formed its own troop.

Mr Robinson said children who join the group not only have fun but also learn many things.

He said: "Children learn water craft skills such as swimming, life-saving, control and up-keep of boats from kayaks to power boats.

"They also learn a lot about team work and other skills that they can take into later life.

"We do a lot of water-based activities. During the summer we are out on the River Severn pretty much every week. But we still do the land based things like the regular Scouts do such as camping."

The Jubilee year was launched on Friday, January 27. Richard Wood, of Northwick Road, Worcester, gave a multi-media presentation about the trials and tribulations he faced during his successful row across the Atlantic Ocean in 2004.

Another aim of the group for 2006 is fundraising to pay for a new jetty to be built at the back of its headquarters to replace the one there at the moment.