Trainee sailors could soon get a helping hand when they launch their dinghies into the Thames if an application for a floating jetty gets the go-ahead.

Bosses at Island Yacht Club, at The Point, Canvey, have applied to Castle Point Council for planning permission to build a 45metre sloping pontoon.

Barry Hiscutt, the club's commodore, said if the application is given the green light by the borough's planning department they hope to build the jetty by the end of the summer.

He said: "It can be difficult for trainee sailors to launch their dinghies and so we want to install a sloping pontoon."

The borough's planning officials are to look at the plans on Friday.

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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