LANDLUBBER Colin Betts will be sailing the ocean waves to help a worthy cause.

For the intrepid 44-year-old from Billinge will join the BT Global Challenge round-the-world yacht as a member of the 18-strong crew of 'Team Spirit', when it weighs anchor in Sydney on March 11.

Colin was nominated by his employers, Marconi Communications of Liverpool, who sponsor one of the 12 craft, and he has so far netted £3,000 of his targeted £5,000 in aid of the Save the Children Fund.

The flotilla slipped out of Southampton in September, bound for Boston, Buenos Aires, Wellington, Sydney, Cape Town, and La Rochelle and will re-berth at Southampton in June.

Colin said: "I have never previously sailed before the mast, but although the crew are totally amateur, apart from the skipper, I am confident after training since November, 1999.

"The response for sponsorship has been magnificent, in particular from regulars at my local, the Masons Arms at Billinge, where licensees Vint and Barbara Smith and fund-raiser extraordinaire Bernard Sweeney organised raffles and race nights.

"Neil Pennington and Mark Kelly supported every activity at the well-known watering hole, while Houghwood Golf Club, where I am a member, chipped in with three special days on the course to help boost cash flow.

"However, I still need to make up the shortfall and anyone wishing to offer further sponsorship can contact me on Billinge 893484."