SATURDAY was the culmination of a special time for 19-year-old Vicky Stokes from Stevenage. The teenager who is recovering form cancer was in Cowes on the Isle of Wight to receive a certificate from intrepid sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur. Vicky earned it fo

SATURDAY was the culmination of a special time for 19-year-old Vicky Stokes from Stevenage.

The teenager who is recovering form cancer was in Cowes on the Isle of Wight to receive a certificate from intrepid sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur.

Vicky earned it for being a crew member on a leg of the Ellen MacArthur Trust Skandia Round Britain Voyage. She did her stint from Holyhead to Cardiff in August.

Each of the 74 young people who took part in the adventure, the first voyage of its kind to be completed around Britain, was invited to meet up with Dame Ellen after the 48ft yacht Scarlet Oyster arrived back at its starting point after 17 legs done over 132 days.

Asked what she regarded as the highlight of the voyage, Vicky said: "The night sails - the stars were amazing.

"We had a beautiful sunrise as we approached Abersoch and were escorted by some friendly dolphins."

She added: "My lasting memory would have to be of our sing-a-long sessions while on night watch. We ruined a lot of songs!"

And referring again to the marine creatures which appeared from the deep, she said: "I will also never forget seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat."

Dame Ellen said: "The voyage has been everything we ever dreamt of. It was always about what the young people would get out of it and it's been a great experience for everyone without exception. To be part of the team to make it happen has been an absolute joy and everyone at the Ellen MacArthur Trust has felt privileged to be part of it and above all to spend time with these inspirational young people.