HANDY youngsters have been busy making model paddle tug boats as Weymouth and Portland prepares for its annual marine modelling extravaganza.

The 13th International Maritime Modelling Festival will take place in the Pavilion Theatre and other venues across the resort this weekend.

To celebrate the launch the borough council - along with the Weymouth and Portland Model Boat Club - has been hosting a series of workshops for local schoolchildren.

The sessions are part of the tourism department's education programme, which introduces youngsters to the educational aspects of events happening in the borough.

More than 350 pupils from seven schools have been taking part in the two-hour workshops at the Pavilion Ocean Room, starting with children from the Holy Trinity Junior School.

The sessions cover the design and technology of model boat building, and the students can test the seaworthiness of their models in a specially constructed pool once their boats are complete.

Councillor Kate Wheller, member for leisure, tourism and community facilities, said: "These workshops are very popular with the schools and the children that attend. Everyone gets to use their creative abilities and all enjoy testing out their designs in the pool."

This year's festival will feature a range of modelling action including yacht racing, national grand prix racing, tall ships and live war ship battles. More than 1,000 static models will be on display at the Pavilion Ocean Room together with attractions at Radipole Lake and Weymouth's Pleasure Pier.