WATCHET Sea Scouts will once again be riding on the crest of a wave after David Wood, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, rededicated their two pulling gigs.

The boats - the Betty Clay and the The Dane - which are now 26 and 25 years old were refurbished over the winter by traditional boat builder and craftsman Lawrence Roberts, who is also a grandparent of some of the scout group members.

New decks, buoyancy and a general overhaul was carried out, part-funded by the Royal Navy as the First Watchet Sea Scouts is one of a select number of Admiralty-recognised sea scout groups in the UK.

The pulling gigs were first launched in 1987 and 1988, with the Betty Clay christened by her namesake, the daughter of Lord Baden Powell, who lived locally.

The Dane was named to celebrate the Watchet 1000 celebrations in 1988.

The two gigs are now an iconic part of Watchet's marine landscape after being anchored in what was once a working port and, latterly, on a pontoon in the new marina.

And as well as being used around Watchet, they have also been a central part of sea scout expeditions further afield, including trips to Brownsea Island in Dorset, on the River Thames and numerous other inland waterways.

Assistant scout leader Simon Bale said: "There are not many young Watchet men or women over the last 26 years that have not been a beaver, cub, scout or explorer scout and who have not used these boats.

"We hope that they serve another 25 years for the local community in helping provide water activities."

Meanwhile, sea scout members will be swapping their oars and paddles for buckets and sponges tomorrow morning (Saturday).

They will be taking part in a fundraising car wash in Swain Street car park from 9am to noon.

Local people are being encouraged to have their cars washed in return for making a donation to the sea scouts.

Photo: Steve Guscott