A group of 17 people with physical disabilities from the Echo Centre in Liskeard has successfully helped to sail a tall ship from Cardiff to Poole.

They took eight days, braving force nine gales and seasickness, to complete the 385-mile journey in the Jubilee Sailing Trust's tall ship Lord Nelson.

The crew and its 17 volunteer buddies were joined by four watch leaders for the voyage, two with a physical disability themselves.

Around £25,500 was raised by the Echo Centre through fundraising events and grants to meet the cost of the trip.

Kathy, who attends the Echo Centre and has chronic back problems, said: 'My "magical moment" occurred when I least expected it, during a night watch sometime after 4am.

'The instruments read gale force 8-9 with relentless rain, wind and cold biting at us from every angle.

'We hung on to our safety lines and forced back all thoughts of seasickness.

'Just as I was day-dreaming of my warm and cosy bunk, I caught a glimpse of my fellow crewmates and saw exhilaration and pure joy etched out in their faces while riding out the storm, facing all that nature could throw at us.

'Gone were all thoughts of discomfort and pain, this is what real sailing is all about and I knew at that moment I was privileged to be part of it.'

Helen Winchurch, acting manager of the Echo Centre, said: 'Smaller groups from the Echo Centre have taken part in sailing trips with the trust in the past, and found that the need for both disabled people and buddies to work together as part of the crew raised everyone's sense of worth and self-esteem.

'The benefits have also been shown to be far more valuable than normal therapy sessions in achieving raised levels of mobility and confidence.'