PUPILS from a Maldon primary school are celebrating after winning a competition to name two new boats at an outdoors centre.

In May, Essex Outdoors launched a competition for pupils at primary schools and academies in Essex to name their three new Dufour Drakkar yachts.

The winning names were Osea Pearl and Seas the Day from Caiden and Morgan at St Francis Catholic Primary School.

Each winning student was invited to the naming ceremony with their teacher and five classmates for the unveiling and an activity session on the yachts.

The yachts will be based at the Essex Outdoors Centre in Bradwell on Sea.

Ray Gooding, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “It’s delightful seeing children so excited about the competition and the opportunity to take to the water on the new boats, having fun as well as learn new skills.

“I hope their experience today stays with them for years to come and many more school children benefit from the boats in the coming months and years.”

Keren Prior, Head of Education Services, said: “The three new yachts at Bradwell are part of a wider investment programme across all Essex Outdoors centres which has seen many new activities launch in the past few weeks.

“Outdoor education and activities like sailing can have a profound impact on children’s development and educational attainment so we look forward to our customers enjoying the new yachts.”