The Thames Sailing Barge Trust is set to run a series of four courses in Maldon on a range of maritime topics - from shipwrecks to sea shanties.

The trust, which owns, preserves and operates the historic sailing barges Centaur and Pudge from Hythe Quay, is running the courses in association with the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) after receiving funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The courses will start on 23 February in the conference room at Maldon Town Hall.

Mysteries of the North Sea Platforms will kick off the talks and tell the history of the army and navy platforms built off the coast - the role they played in World War II and how they went on to become pirate radio stations, film sets and, in one case, a micronation.

Money, Power and Yachting, on 2 March, will look at the close connections between the east coast and America's Cup - the premier yachting trophy - and how sailors from Tollesbury and Mersea became celebrities.

Shipwrecks of the Thames will be held on 9 March, and will examine the stories that can be told by shipwrecks ranging from Roman times to World War II.

Finally, on 16 March, Maritime History in Sea Shanties will look closely at the songs - which have been popularised through the internet in recent years - and how they offer a fascinating insight into maritime history.

The courses begin at 10am and finish at 12pm.

Each course costs £7.90 per person and must be booked in advance by contacting 0300 303 3464, or by visiting www.bargetrust.org/events and clicking on the required course link.

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