SEA scouts from Watchet were invited to attend the Britannia Royal Naval College, in Dartmouth, during the schools half-term break.

The college plays a vital role in the nation’s defence by providing comprehensive training programmes for those going on to officer and leadership careers in the Royal Navy, and it also trains international officers.

On arrival in Dartmouth, the Watchet sea scouts were welcomed by the captain in charge and learned about the officer cadet training syllabus.

They were given a tour of the college, including a visit to the bridge simulators, where the scouts learned how to helm a warship and to position it for a resupply at sea, bringing the ship parallel to a Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship.

The scouts also watched as the new entry cadet officers were instructed in ceremonial drill outside on the parade ground, before having lunch in the college.

After lunch, the scouts met up with the captain again on the steps outside the famous college where they impressed him with their maritime knowledge and experiences of power boating and sailing on the Bristol Channel.

Following the visit, the scouts had a session in a nearby indoor climbing centre before returning to Watchet.

The 1st Watchet Sea Scout Group is able to visit Royal Navy establishments and take part in events they run due to its Admiralty recognition as one of the top 104 sea scout groups in the UK.

Anybody who is interested in joining Watchet’s successful sea scout group should contact the group scout leader on 07977 056921 or send a message via Facebook or X, previously known as Twitter.

The sea scouts have also recently seen their new water activity centre in Watchet officially opened next to the outer harbour, to provide modern changing rooms and indoor storage facilities for their boats.