A MOTHER and daughter team will be among the last to sail on the tall ship Winston Churchill.

Caroline Gunning, who has no sailing experience, and her mum Gillian Perrott have volunteered to take part in a mystery journey aboard the ship.

They have no idea where they will end up everything depends on the tide and the weather. "The thought of it makes me feel sick after the weather we have had recently," said Caroline, who at 41 is the youngest member of the all-female crew.

"But even if it is dreadful it will be the experience of a lifetime."

Organised by the Women's Institute, the voyage will feature 39 women from all over the country. They leave Portsmouth at 2pm on Sunday and aim to return next Thursday.

"Our captain told us the only thing guaranteed was that we would leave Portsmouth and come back there. Everything else depends on the wind, rain and sea. We are hoping to get to northern France and the Channel Islands if all goes well," said Caroline, who lives in Marlborough Road, Wroughton.

This is the first time the ship has had an all-female crew most of the women are in their mid to late 50s.

The only mother and daughter team on the trip, Gillian, 64, of Moormead Road, Wrough-ton, and Caroline are members of Chiseldon Evening WI.

Caroline said: "We booked this two years ago, after my mother's partner died.

"She met him on a sailing trip and I thought this would give her something to look forward to.

"She has done a bit of sailing before and has been on a few cruises but I have never done anything like this. The only training we will have is during the six hours before the ship sets sail.

"We met the others a few weeks ago and they all have a good sense of humour, but I am worried that because I will be the youngest they will have high expectations of me!"

Built in 1966, Winston Churchill will be decommissioned three weeks after the trip ends.

The women have paid £350 each to take part and will be provided with a wet-suit, hat and boots. They will sleep in three-tier bunk beds in the same room, and will cook for each other.