YOUNG sailors raised the roof at a fund-raising advent carol service at St Constantine Church on Tuesday (December 4).

The evening was in aid of Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust (HRCST), a charity dedicated to helping young people learn to sail.

“School teachers tell us that without HRCST, the majority of pupils who sail with us would not be able to access this opportunity,” said Simon Osborne, the Trust’s new CEO.

“Young people of all abilities gain a huge boost in confidence from taking part in watersports – it sets them on the road to independence and achievement. Whether it’s learning to sail single-handed, kayak, row or even handle a powerboat, we challenge and encourage every one of them.”

Pupils from Mawnan and Constantine primary schools formed a candlelight procession through the church before an evening of readings and music.

They were joined by the church choir and the Trengilly Singers, in a service led by St Constantine vicar the Reverend Stewart Turner.

In 2018, HRCST provided lessons for more than 630 children and young people from 23 local primary schools – some of them with special educational needs or disabilities. In addition, the Trust taught a further 230 young sailors during holiday courses on the Helford River.

The Trust has exciting plans to build a Centre of Excellence for Watersports for All at Trevassack Lake on the Lizard Peninsula, comprising a learning centre and seven residential lodges. This will be specially adapted to cater for children with special needs and disabilities from across Cornwall and beyond.

“The centre will complement the Trust’s activities on the Helford River, as it will be used to teach watersports year round,” said Simon “In addition, the new facility has the potential to become a much-used community facility.

“Fundraising is going well, with a number of pledges made towards the building of the centre. The Trust was also fortunate to receive a grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation towards its campaign.”

HRCST trustee co-chairman Martin Barlow added: “It was fantastic to see such enthusiastic support tonight from our young sailors and their parents.

"HRCST is looking forward to a busy year: we are holding a community open day at the Trevassack Lake site on Sunday, May 19, while plans are already in progress to make the lake available for school activities during the summer.”

Visit hrcst.org.uk for further details about HRCST and its forthcoming Trevassack Lake project.