An 11-year-old who recovered from cancer has been given a chance to take to the waters for the first time.

Emre Mehmet, from Palmers Green, finished cancer treatment in March 2011 for a stage 4 metastatic wilms tumour at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

As part of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Emre, a sailing novice, was given the chance to ride the waves with 25 other young people between the age of 8-18 in recovery from cancer.

He said: "The way they treat you is very nice, I loved the sailing and it made me a lot more independent. I will take away how to sail and the confidence that I have developed.

"It is nice to spend time with other young people who have been through similar experiences because they understand what you've been through and you don't have to explain yourself."

The team took to the 48-foot cruising yacht for a four-day adventure around the south coast, where Mr Mehmet was shown all the techniques to sail including helming the boat.

Departing from their south coast HQ in East Cowes Marina, Isle of Wight, the trip navigated the waters of the Solent, which took them to various stopovers, including Yarmouth Harbour and the picturesque bay of Newtown Creek.

The trust was formed in 2003 to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.

Dame MacArther added: “The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness. Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.”