SEA scouts in Watchet have been given a helping hand to stay in touch and improve their skills.

A £600 grant from the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust has allowed the group to buy four marine VHF training radios and fund the training of a leader to become a Royal Yachting Association qualified instructor for Watchet and the Somerset County Scouts' Sailing Team.

The new equipment and the instructors' training course means scouts and leaders will be able to gain their RYA certificates and be confident and qualified in the use of marine VHF radios in routine and distress situations.

As a Royal Navy recognised sea scout group, the 1st Watchet is expected to deliver a programme of water-based skills and qualifications.

Assistant scout leader Simon Bale said the new radios and training would enable more members to be trained without having to bring in and pay for commercial instructors.

"Other scout troops from around the county and region will also benefit from this equipment and instructor," said Mr Bale.

He said the provision of the correct equipment and training in safety procedures was paramount when young people were out sailing, kayaking and power boating in tidal waters.

The community trust was formed in 1999 to help local communities in the Avon and Somerset force area become safer and better places to live.

It supports projects and schemes that work towards reducing crime and the fear of crime.

The sea scouts' bid for funding was supported by Watchet beat manager PC Chris Walls and PCSO Rachel Cutler because of the group's work in helping to steer young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour and encouraging them to become responsible adults.

Mr Bale said the group wanted to thank local supporters John Richards and David Mainwaring from Watchet, who had also made donations to help with the cost of the new equipment.

Photo: Steve Guscott