SCHOOL children met an Olympic Sailing hero while getting a taste of the sport for just £5.

Youngsters from Parrett and Axe Chu-rch of England Prim-ary School, Beaminster and Durweston Church of England Primary School in Blandford Forum had a ‘really, really fun’ time sailing.

They mingled with the world’s best sailors at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, and then met with triple gold medallist Ben Ainslie.

Their visit last week helped to mark the start of the Government’s GREAT Britain campaign in London.

The government’s campaign aims to celebrate GREAT sailing adventures and to make the dream of ocean racing accessible to many more people. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman and founder of Clipper Race organisers Clipper Ventures said: “Enc-ouraging young people on to the water is the best way to develop our yachtsmen and women of the future.

“Sailing for a Fiver is a great initiative and I wish all concerned every success.”

Academy chief John Tweed said: “Sail for a Fiver is a great opportunity for these youngsters – coming down here, rubbing shoulders with Olympians and Paralympians, getting inspired, and hopefully they’ll be watching the Games with even more interest now.

“Sail for a Fiver is our active legacy programme that has already helped over 9,000 children try sailing.

“We bring classes of 10 to 11-year-olds on site to enjoy half-day training courses and offer this to 1,600 children annually.

“This will continue long after the Games at the academy with support from the Chesil Trust and SailLaser.”

Borough councillor Mike Goodman welcomed the Government’s GREAT Britain campaign.

He said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Wey-mouth and Portland as we prepare for the sailing competitions.”

Durweston pupil Izzy Ellis, aged 11, said: “It was really, really fun and I think my whole family should come next time.”