ARDROSSAN Sea Cadets were nearly left high and dry last week when a coach operator hired to take them to a regatta in London dropped anchor and cancelled the booking.

Disappointment turned to joy when local bus company Coast To Coast Travel took the helm and stepped in to save the day.

The youngsters were heading to the National Combined Regatta at the Excel Centre in London where three crews were slated to row against other top Sea Cadet Corps from across the UK.

Fortunately, the Ardossan-based coach operator had a bus and driver spare to take the youngsters to London in time for the event where Ardrossan finished fourth out of seven overall.

Chief Petty Officer John MacDonald said: “We were a bit surprised by the course being 100 metres longer than the crews had been training for but we did well and everyone really enjoyed the event.”