YOUNG sailors of Torpoint Mosquito Sailing Club (TMSC) tried out their new buoyancy aids for the first time this week.

A donation of £800 from Torpoint and Rame Peninsula Lions Club and the assistance of Torpoint business GSR Chandlery has allowed TMSC to purchase 20 buoyancy aids.

The cadets thanked Lions' vice-president Steve Morris in a brief presentation at the start of the club's cadet session before trying out their new kit on the water.

Cadet co-ordinator Phillippa Smerdon said: 'Thanks again to all the Torpoint and Rame Lions for their hard-working volunteers who raise funds for lots of local clubs and organisations.

'We will make great use of these buoyancy aids; the children say they are lovely and comfortable!'

TMSC has a very active youth sailing scene. The cadet section, which is open to young people aged between eight and 18, offers weekly sessions during the summer months and monthly winter sessions.

As well as water confidence, cadets learn team-building skills, grow their self-assurance, mix with children of different ages and sailing abilities and most of all have fun.

The section is very popular and this year, after training more instructors and buying some more boats, the club has managed to introduce a second cadet session and so get more young sailors on the water. Despite this there is often a waiting list of local youngsters hoping to join.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the cadets at Torpoint Mosquito should contact the cadet co-ordinator, Phillippa Smerdon on [email protected]">[email protected]