MEMORIES of life on board a sailing ship - including the 4 am watch and playing with dolphins - were recalled this week by 16-year-old Michael Richardson, reports Helen Long.

Michael, who attends Sandgate School, Kendal, spent 12 days on the 'Sir Winston Churchill', experiencing everything about life on a tall ship.

"It was fantastic, but quite tiring as well!" said Michael, who learned to set sails, steer the helm and cook in the ship's galley.

At one point the sea was so rough that he and the other novice sailors were harnessed to the rails to stop them being thrown overboard.

But, despite the rough voyage, Michael says he never felt sea-sick - just a bit tired after the 4-6 am watch!

"The very best thing was seeing the dolphins.

I was on the bow and we looked over and there they were.

We lent over the side and could touch them with our hands! I thought we might see sharks, but seeing the dolphins was fantastic."

Michael's voyage took him from Birkenhead to the French coast, via Southampton boat show and a lively party for the Tall Ships crew in London.

Michael, who lives in a Cumbria County Council home in Kendal, was nominated for the trip because of his major contribution to a Young Enterprise project he took part in when he was head boy of Sandgate School.

Chairman of the social services committee, County Coun Nick Findley, has congratulated Michael on his achievements.

"Michael is a shining example to other young people and I am sure he has gained a huge amount of confidence and knowledge from such a life-changing adventure," said Coun Findley.