A CREW of pupils from a Darlington school are about to get their sea legs.

Eight pupils and three supervisors from Beaumont Hill Special School are embarking on a three-day voyage along the North-East coast.

Yesterday, they went to check out the Hartlepool Renaissance, which will be their floating home from Monday. They will learn how to sail the 72ft vessel, which has 78ft masts, with the larger of the two at the front.

Outdoor education co-ordinator Richie Bulmer will join the 12 to 16-year-olds.

He said: "They were full of questions about the yacht. It was fantastic.

"It is going to be such an adventure for them, and there will be loads of opportunities for building up their teamwork skills.

"This is something they are really looking forward to and seeing the yacht at North Shields has really built up their expectations."

The trip has been paid for by the school and The Cirdan Sailing Trust.

The young sailors are: Philip Smart, Kyle Lowther, Daniel Wright, James Cuminsky, Danny Abbot, Daniel Tansey, Daniel Dooley and Oliver Verrill.