Hamble School has just received a surprise gift from the South's marine industry.

No sooner had head teacher Ian Knights attended a meeting of the Southern Marine Industries Association to talk about his school's plan to attain specialist college status in sport, than he saw his plans bearing fruit.

Association chairman James Grazebook praised the school for its far-sighted approach in creating a centre of sporting excellence in the South. He then revealed two bright yellow Laser Pico dinghies, complete with trailers and buoyancy aids, valued at £5,000, and bought specially for the school to help further its plans to teach sailing.

The dinghies will eventually be kept at the Hamble River Sailing Club and will double the number currently available to the school which has attracted £100,000 in sponsorship and in principle, £1.98 million in Lottery cash for its ambitious plans.

"We are passionate about encouraging future generations on to the water, not only to introduce them to the pleasure of the sport but to foster an interest in the industry,'' said Mr Grazebrook.

Even infants at the school will get involved, with the youngest learning about the environment and safety on the water, while older children will get a chance to get afloat. Feeder schools will also take part in courses, and the school has just started running an NVQ in boatbuilding.

IN THE PICTURE: Sarah Sheppard, 14, helps James Grazebrook to launch one of the new dinghies.

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