Two sixth-form students have waved goodbye to their studies... and gone to sea.

Grace Melody-Gardner and Simon Scannell, both 17, of St Mary's School, Menston, were picked for the sailing trip for their education and social achievements.

They are among 48 pupils from around the country who are spending nine days aboard the Stavros S Niarchos, a 200ft square-rigged brig.

The ship, which is owned by the Sail Training Association, is being chartered by the HSBC Bank Education Trust.

Grace, of Hillside Avenue, Guiseley, is studying French, German and English literature A-levels.

Speaking from the ship, she said: "This is so fantastic. We are having a brilliant time though my hands are covered in blisters from pulling the ropes and I was sea-sick all yesterday.

"It is really good fun and it's great mixing with students from all round the country. I have never heard so many different accents."

Fellow student Simon, of Redburn Avenue, Shipley, is taking A-levels in physics, chemistry, mathematics, further maths, general studies and German AS-level.

"I have done a bit of dingy sailing before, nothing like this. We're learning a lot," he said.

The pair spent a day training in Cardiff before setting sail on Monday. They are due in France in the next few days before arriving back in London on September 25, where traffic will be stopped as Tower Bridge opens to greet their arrival.

Marita Murray, sixth form director of studies at St Mary's School, said she was delighted they were taking part.

"HSBC is opening a branch at the school. Grace is a student-manager at the school and Simon is deputy head boy and they will be helping run the branch," she said. "They are two of our brightest pupils and we think they will gain a lot from this trip in terms of team-building and managerial skills. We are very proud of them."

Dame Mary Richardson, chief executive of the HSBC Education Trust, said: "Sailing with 48 other youngsters gives them a chance to develop skills that will influence the rest of their lives.