A teenager is set to take on the high seas as part of the world famous Tall Ships Race.

Sean McGwyne is one of eight young ASTO bursary-funded sailors who set sail on Saturday.

The 17 year-old from Loughton will board a UK Sail Training vessel on a four-day voyage in to Esbjerg, Denmark.

He said: "This is my third time on board the boat and I love it. It also feels quite familiar now. It is however, still very exciting.

"It is 72ft and has 23 young people on board, and it is a fantastic opportunity.

“Sailing with ASTO is life-changing because it teaches you so many skills, how to look after yourself, how to cook and how to work as a team, under pressure as well and, the best thing about it all is teamwork and perseverance, and you get to enjoy the thrills like the fast speeds of the yacht.

“I am currently at Davenant Foundation School but because one day I hope to get into journalism, my personal aim this time is to practice some skills by filling in a log.

" am also looking forward to developing my sailing skills and, of course, enjoy the most of the summer.”

The nine participating ASTO member vessels will be part of the 52-strong fleet of Sail Training vessels competing in Tall Ships Races 2018, including some of the largest vessels of their type in the world.