Story by Craig Manning, Wirral Globe

WIRRAL pupils are to set sail with police on what promises to be the voyage of a lifetime.

The teenagers will sail on a Tall Ship as part of an initiative to develop self reliance, team work and confidence.

Girls and boys from Bebington High School and Mosslands have already sailed on the Stavros S Nyarkos brig in a trip around the English coast in a trial run of the project.

Now a further forty students from other schools in the area will board the brig in the initiative, run by Wirral Safer Schools Partnership and headed up by Merseyside Police.

PC Colin Garland and PC Rose Wise have acted as mentors to the young people both on ship and in raising the money to make it possible.

"These young people were chosen on their effort, attendance and punctuality at school," said PC Garland, who arranged the trip with the Tall Ships Youth Trust.

"It has always been made clear that they would have to work on board and this trip shouldn't be seen as just a holiday.

"So far, the behaviour of everyone who has taken part has been exemplary and the effort they have all made has been outstanding."

The young people work a series of watches during their voyage and learn other sailing skills in onboard lectures and practical activities.

The project has received financial help from a number of local bodies, in recognition of the benefits of developing strong links between young people and the police, including Safer Schools, the Wirral crime prevention panels and the parent teachers association at Mosslands.

PC Garland continued: "I have found that, as the voyage goes on, I've been able to talk through some of the issues facing the young people in their everyday lives.

"I feel it has strengthened the understanding between officers and teenagers and it's great to see how they respond to the demands of life at sea."