YOUNGSTERS with additional needs and disabilities got a rare opportunity to sail with the mayor around the Weston coast on the weekend.

As part of charity work conducted by mayor Cllr Sonia Russe to help children reach their full potential in life, kids gained real sailing experience and were 'delighted' with the results. 

On Saturday, September 3, Cllr Russe called upon her fellow members at Weston Bay Yacht Club to kit out three sailing boats for the children. 

Youngsters from the mayor's affiliated charity - North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT) - saw them and their parents get taken for a spin on the River Axe and around Weston Bay.

Cllr Russe said it was an 'amazing day' which saw everyone, not just the young, get involved with learning a new skill and 'having fun'.

"North Somerset parent carers is a brilliant charity which helps to make the everyday lives of children who may have some form of disability, as exciting and wonderful as it can possibly be," she said.

"The weather was dry and dull, but the spirit and the delight experienced by all of those who took part was anything but; some clambered onboard with confidence, while others needed some coaxing and reassurance, but all returned beaming from the experience."

There was a lot of activity in the water on the day too, including an RNLI race of nine sailing boats. And kids also got a close-up of practice crews from the Weston Gig Club.

Between the sailing crews, children enjoyed a game of cricket on Uphill beach which was organised by the Somerset Cricket Foundation.

Weston's mayor added: "Everyone appreciated seeing the bay and the river from an entirely new perspective, and returned emboldened by this special experience.    

"With so much fresh air and the challenges of the morning everyone was more than ready to share in Weston's traditional seaside lunch of fish 'n' chips provided by the Grand Pier.

"Thanks to all of those who were generous with their time and expertise, and especially to all the families who took part.

"I hope a very many more children get to experience our wonderful adventure in future, especially with the phenomenal parent carers charity."

To find out more on the work of NSPCWT, visit nspcwt.org.