Lucky children from Jesmond Road Primary School were given a tour of Hartlepool Marina on board Adventure, the vessel built in town to celebrate next month's Tall Ships Races.

Nine pupils, who were all aged between five and 11, got the chance to take part in a pirate-themed tour after winning a school competition.

They were shown the ropes of sailing by Adam Henderson and Shaun Houghton-Birrell, the captains of the vessel, who took them out on the water around the Marina.

Adam and Shaun were aptly kitted out in pirate clothing and were armed with plastic cutlasses.

They entertained the kids who were invited to take part in pirate-themed games and gave every passer-by a loud "Ahoy!"

Cathryn Huskinson, the social inclusion assistant at Jesmond Road, who had organised the day out, said the staff had enjoyed it just as much as the kids.

She said: "Getting to sail on board a ship has been a great experience for the pupils.

"It's been something that the staff have thoroughly enjoyed too. It was a really good day."

Every pupil at the school had designed their own mosaic of a boat as part of a tall ships competition.

The winning entries will become part of a new garden set to be built at Hartlepool Marina.

One pupil from each class was chosen as a winner and each of them got to take part in the tour aboard Adventure.