EIGHT hardy youngsters braved stormy seas to cover more than 100 miles at sea and raise funds for a Weymouth charity.

Last Saturday morning’s adverse weather conditions deterred several of the participants from taking part, but an intrepid group of eight took to the water at Ringstead Bay for the challenge.

Emma and Alexandra Stevenson, Tom and Joe Wells, Louis and Macey Goldsworthy and Aimee and James Limb persevered using a variety of water rafts – a Sailing boat, kayaks, surf boards and a rowing boat – and achieved 98 nautical miles – 112 miles – beating their target of 100 land miles in a day.

The group used GPS systems kindly loaned by the Official Test Centre (OTC ) to record the mileage.

The fundraiser has so far achieved £500 for the Will Mackaness Trust, which supports young people to try watersports, with more sponsorship still to come.

Wey Valley pupil Emma, aged 14, said: “Through the trust we have all been lucky enough to participate in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking at the Sailing Academy and Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre, which is really exciting.

“We wanted to do the challenge so that other pupils can experience how much fun water sports are.”

She added: “We have yet to collect all the sponsorship money but hope to have raised in excess of £500.

“We would like to thank all the individuals who supported us with sponsorship.”

The Will Mackaness Trust, which recently secured charitable status, is the chosen charity of the Dorset Echo’s Going for Gold campaign.

Wey Valley School tutor Pam Govier set up the trust in memory of her son Will Mackaness, who loved watersports, to enable other young people to have the opportunity to experience the thrill of activities at sea.

Will was Wey Valley’s head boy from 2007 to 2008. He lost his battle with a brain tumour when he was 16.

Anyone wishing to support the youngsters’ latest effort can contact Emma’s mum Caroline Stevenson on 01305 832222 or make a cheque payable to the Will Mackaness Trust and send it to Wey Valley School and Sports College, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT3 5AN.