SOUTH Zeal shanty singers, Mariners Away, were recently invited to sing aboard HMS Albion in Plymouth as part of the Trafalgar Day celebrations.

The group (pictured above) sang a selection of shanties and sea songs for the Commanding Officer Captain J D Morley and Officers, at the Ward Room dinner, and at a reception on the bridge of the ship.

A military band usually provides the music but Mariners Away led the naval officers in rousing choruses of traditional sea songs.

Earlier in the year, they attended functions for RNAS Culdrose, and have also supported the RNLI at fundraising events.

The Mariners Away crew are finding themselves increasingly in demand and have attended more than 50 other events this year including pub venues, folk festivals, shanty festivals and even working with schools throughout the South West. The group is based at the Kings Arms South Zeal where they meet on alternate Thursdays.