A WOOTTON Wawen teenager has set sail for the trip of a lifetime.

Laura Gordon, 18, a Stratford College student, sailed from Portsmouth on Sunday on the magnificent square-rigger Stavros S Niarchos.

She will spend two weeks on Britain's newest, largest sailing ship and fulfil a long-held ambition, the opportunity to survey the sea from 118 feet up the ship's mast.

The vessel has a capacity for a company of 65 and Miss Gordon will be one of two Midlands people aboard.

The trip has been partfunded by the Sail Training Association (STA).

Money is available for youngsters aged 16-24 and the voyage programme continues throughout the year.

For more details, call Mr Scutt on 07715 623957.