Thrillseekers could soon be darting across the waves after plans were revealed to open a speedboat training school in Maryport.

The tuition could be launched by next spring and run from the headquarters of Maryport Inshore Rescue.

Station chiefs have spoken of the plan, which could also produce cash to help life-saving training. 

Mike Messenger, station manager, said: "It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for the past three years or so. "However we weren’t really able to look at doing it until last year, when we got our new boathouse."

The team has managed to secure the loan of a speedboat, which will be used during the first lessons, but there are plans to secure one of their own.

Mr Messenger added: "It means that we’ll be able to provide all our training to people joining the rescue team in-house, so we’ll be able to reduce some of the costs we currently have to put people through training elsewhere. 

"The people who will be providing training to those taking up lessons will also be members of the inshore rescue team as well. It’s an ideal opportunity for anyone who wants to gain marine qualifications."