A HUMAN Ship set sail on the Rye in High Wycombe to commemorate 200 years since Admiral Lord Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Volunteers raised nearly £1,000 for the Marlow Sea Cadets-TS Apollo Unit by taking part in a ship shaped sponsored walk on Saturday.

Walkers were arranged in a ship formation, representing Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory and led 200 yards along the Rye to mark one yard for each year since the battle.

The parade was led by buglers and drummers from the Marlow Sea Cadet unit and parent supporters Jon and Penny Quilter, as a fun way to raise money.

Mrs Quilter said: "The volunteers were asked to dress in either white or black to outline the hull and mast and carried the white Ensign and Union Jack as they marched across the Rye."

At the end of the Rye the ship turned as one to re-enact sailing towards the oncoming French fleet.

Mrs Quilter added: "Admiral Nelson would have been proud of the deck hands, mostly press ganged locals, representing his proud ship.

"Indeed Admiral Nelson' said so himself as he boarded the ship in full dress uniform to the sound of Sea Cadet pipes, bugles and drum."

The Marlow Sea Cadets meet in Wethered Road, Marlow on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm.

For more information contact 01494 472886 or 07919073696