Young Fife cancer survivor Noah Duncan has the wind in his sails after a yachting adventure.
The 12-year-old from Rosyth joined 23 other youngsters for a five-day boat trip on the Clyde organised by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
Brave Noah is recovering from eye cancer after completing treatment at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh in June 2012.
It was his third time sailing with the trust and he said: “This trip has been the best the banter has been excellent.
“The trip is very relaxed. You can get really involved or you can just chill and enjoy the scenery. There is no pressure.”
The trust said cancer can rob young people of parts of their childhood and they can end up feeling isolated after spending long periods in hospital.
Through its yachting trips, it aims to help them get their confidence back after being treated for cancer by providing opportunities for adventure and friendship.
On board, they can get involved with everything from helming the boat to cooking.
Noah added: “It’s cool sometimes to be around other people who understand what you’ve been through without asking.”
Studies into the psychological effects of cancer in children have highlighted the importance of forming relationships with others in coping with cancer.
Sailing trips throughout the summer holidays encourage the youngsters to work as a team, as well as taking part in fun activities such as barbecues and water fights.
During the trips, the trust fleet navigates the waters of the Firth of Clyde, making various stop-overs including Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute, the National Sailing Centre at Great Cumbrae and back to Largs.
Dame Ellen, who often joins the young people on board, said: “The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness.
“Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.”
The record-breaking round-the-world yachtswoman launched the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in 2003, after she spent some time with a similar organisation in France.