IT was plain sailing for an intrepid crew of young women as they arrived in Boston Port after completing the latest leg of a voyage around Britain.

The crew were on board the tall ship Lord Nelson and the adventure is to celebrate Girlguiding UK's centenary.

The Lord Nelson, with many of its crew sailing at sea for the first time, arrived in Boston last week.

In the process, the crew completed the fourth leg of the Ultimate Tall Ships Adventure after setting off from Newcastle earlier this month.

Since setting off from Glasgow Docks in early June, close to 100 guiding members have found their sea-legs with the ship changing crews at the Scottish ports of Oban and Aberdeen.

In total, several hundred young women from across the UK will take part in the adventure before the ship returns to Glasgow in mid-September.

Girls and women of all physical abilities will be on board Lord Nelson during the voyage.

The ship is one of just two in the world built to enable people of all abilities to sail side-by-side.

Features include lifts between decks, widened decks for wheelchair users, and a speaking compass allowing those with visual impairments to play a full part in Lord Nelson's journey.

After changing crew in Boston, the ship headed to London before making further stops along the southern and western coasts of Britain.

Ann Pryce, Girlguiding Lincolnshire South County Commissioner, said: "The Ultimate Tall Ships Adventure is such an exciting way for our members to celebrate guiding's centenary year.

"Locally, we are absolutely delighted to welcome Lord Nelson to Boston. It really is a great thrill for us all to board and explore the ship while it is in our hometown."

This summer, around 75,000 Girlguiding UK members will take part in a variety of adventurous events – including trips as far a field as Botswana, Mexico and Uzbekistan - with thousands more taking part in local events.