A GROUP of youngsters with serious illnesses were given the chance to forget their problems with a sailing day.

North-East sail training charity, Ocean Youth Trust North-East, gave the teenagers from The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and their families, the opportunity of a trip on the River Tees, in Middlesbrough, yesterday.

The 70ft yacht, aptly named James Cook, gave the group an experience to remember, an opportunity to challenge themselves and the chance to forget about their illnesses.

Captain of the James Cook, Steve Lennon said: “We work in partnership with a number of agencies to give young people an opportunity they would probably never get.

“It is a chance for them to enjoy sailing and really get involved.”