THEATRE by the Lake's bars and catering manager Dave Worthington has been preparing to take part in the Warsteiner Sea Challenge 2002 under the guidance of actor and sailor Roger Delves-Broughton.

He will be taking part in the Sea Challenge next weekend as a member of a volunteer crew making a two-day round-voyage from Whitehaven, stopping off at Portpatrick in Scotland.

The Sea Challenge gives accomplished sailors and novices, associated with the licensed trade, the opportunity to sail the 58ft ocean-going racing yacht Maiden.

The yacht was made famous by Tracy Edwards and her all-female crew in the 1990 Whitbread Round the World race and Dave has been preparing for his adventure with Roger Delves-Broughton, a keen sailor and member of the Keswick theatre's summer season cast.

Sea Challenge raises funds, primarily through sponsorship, for the Society of Licensed Victuallers.

It is the oldest charity for the retail licensed trade and has been caring for the young, elderly and sick for over 200 years.

It currently gives out over £1 million each year to those in need through a range of services and, Dave said: "I am very excited about it.

Roger is a very experienced sailor and his guidance has been invaluable in helping me find my sea legs.

He has shown me the ropes on his boat Sylvia.

She is the second boat Roger has restored since arriving in Keswick in February.

The only problem is that every time someone shouts port, I reach for a bottle!"