A multiple sclerosis sufferer set sail for the first time since his diagnosis on a specially designed ship for those with disabilities last week.

Anthony Anderson, 56, is a volunteer at The Hub in Epsom High Street - a drop-in centre which promotes independence, and provides support, for disabled people and is staffed only by those with disabilities themselves.

His condition, diagnosed in 2009, means he has little control over his left leg, but he has had a keen interest in sailing for the past 35 years.

He recently discovered the Jubilee Sailing Trust, an organization which has two tall-masted sailing ships, designed and built specifically to accommodate people with disabilities.

Mr Anderson took to the seas on July 4 to 6, from Southampton to Portsmouth, on board one of these ships, Tenacious, alongside an able-bodied buddy.

He said: "We motored down Southampton Water and I was on the wheel with a pilot who gave me instructions, with the general idea of getting the ship out to sea without banging into anything solid.

"As we entered the Solent another volunteer took the helm as I went down from the bridge to the main deck where most of the crew climbed up the foremast to a platform.

"I had doubts about how I would cope as I hadn't been to sea since the MS symptoms were diagnosed.

"But apart from being unable to climb up the mast, I was involved in all other aspects of ship handling.

"The trip gave me a great sense of achievement."