SOUTHAMPTON’S port bosses have come to the rescue of sailing charity the Jubilee Sailing Trust by donating five months’ free berthing.

The trust’s tallship Lord Nelson will spend about five months berthed at Dock Gate 10 while undergoing major refitting.

Since her maiden voyage in 1986, Lord Nelson has taken almost 24,000 able-bodied and disabled people on voyages.

ABP deputy port manager Steven Young said: “The Jubilee Sailing Trust does an outstanding job in bringing disabled and able-bodied people together in a challenging environment and we are delighted to be able to provide Lord Nelson with a home for the winter refit.

“There are few more uplifting and motivational experiences than learning how to sail and a charity offering such opportunities deserves all the help it can get.”

Container company Pentalver also offered the Woolston-based sailing charity secure container storage.

Sales manager Sam Baggley said: “It’s not often we get the chance to support a maritime charity on our doorstep – this was the perfect opportunity.”