HUDDERSFIELD Sea Cadets' new boats have gone on their maiden voyages.

The launchings took place at Winscar Reservoir, Dunford Bridge.

The Zodiac Cherokee, a rigid inflatable costing £8,000, was bought with the help of charitable donations and money raised by the Sea Scouts.

The Pico, a small sailing dinghy, was supplied by the Defence Ministry.

The inflatable will be used as a safety boat, to rescue any cadets who get into difficulty in the water.

It was bought to replace a boat damaged by arson at the Sea Scouts' HQ at Snow Island, Huddersfield.

The Pico will be used to teach cadets sailing, using a Royal Yacht Association programme.

Kirklees Clr Christine Smith was invited to launch the boats because of her help with Sea Scouts.

* PIC: Clr Smith (right) is seen with officer in command Phil Jones (front left) and cadets (from left) Francesca Rigate, Craig Dawson and Barry Young.

Pictures by Andrew Catchpool (4049/03)