LANDLUBBER Eddie Hughes had to find his sea legs when he helped sail a Liverpool-built tall ship back home.

Mr Hughes, aged 35, of Little Hulton, was part of the crew of the Spirit of Fairbridge's first journey to help inner-city youngsters.

The ship is owned and operated by national youth charity Fairbridge and has just completed the first voyage of a five-year, £1 million partnership with Bibby Line Ltd.

Fairbridge provides support and challenging activities to help young people and the vessel plays a key role by holding personal development courses onboard.

As the first leg of its new journey came to an end, the Spirit sailed into Liverpool's Albert Dock at 2.10pm on Friday, having completed her first voyage of 2007 from Fort William in Scotland.

Mr Hughes, who works for Bibby Distribution at Trafford Park, was one of five Bibby employees onboard, along with six Fairbridge young people.

Together, the team crewed the ship and delivered her safely to her home.

Mr Hughes said: "The trip was absolutely fantastic. Having never sailed before, I was a bit nervous but it was an honour and a privilege to be a part of such a journey and to share the experience with the Fairbridge young people was very humbling.

"It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is definitely one for me to tell the grandchildren in years to come."

Liverpool-based Bibby Line celebrates its bicentenary this year.

The business was founded in 1807 by John Bibby and now has more than 4,000 employees around the world.

The partnership is a key part of the bicentenary programme and provides funding for the operating costs of the Spirit, which will help 250 young people a year for the next five years.

Fairbridge enables young people aged 13 to 25 to build confidence, motivation and personal, social and life skills.