A CREW of students has set sail for an experience of a lifetime on the high seas.

Year nine students from The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, joined the Stavros S Niarchos last week as the 60m tall ship prepared for a voyage from Blyth, in Northumberland, to Leith, in Scotland.

The students formed part of the crew from the Emmanuel Schools Foundation (ESF).

The annual adventure for ESF students aims to support their personal development through being crew members and by playing an active part of life aboard the ship, which is operated by the Tall Ships Youth Trust.

The students will be assigned to one of three watches on the ship for the ten-day voyage, living eight to a cabin and getting up for watch duties at 4am.

They will also gain experience in steering the ship, climbing the 40m rigging to release the sails, and will take turns working in the ship's galley.

Student Ben Rowden, 14, of Middlesbrough, said: "I've never done anything like this before. I am scared of heights, but I'm up for the challenge."

Luke Pratt, 14, of Middlesbrough, said: "This is a new experience for me.

"I couldn't believe how big it was when I saw it, but I am definitely going to try and go to the top of the mast."