A Hull school famed for its maritime heritage has closed its sailing centre.

Hull Trinity House College was one of only a few schools in the country to offer sailing lessons alongside the national curriculum.

However, the school was forced to close the Welton Seamanship Centre on Friday because of a "significant budget deficit".

Three full-time members of staff have lost their jobs as a result.

The Mail understands the centre costs around £100,000 a year to run, including staffing costs.

The all boys school, based on Princes Dock Road, central Hull, has been associated with seafaring since it opened as Hull Trinity House Marine School – a centre for nautical training – in 1787.

However, headteacher Andy Twaits told the Mail they had no choice but to close the sailing centre because of financial pressures.

"Clearly one of the things that we do not have to offer under statutory requirements is the sailing," said Mr Twaits.

"We have to balance the budget and one of the ways was unfortunately to close the sailing centre. We were facing a deficit and needed to do something about it.

"It does not mean it has gone forever. We will always endeavour to see if there is some way of funding it again.

"It is part of the school's ethos and is one of the things that makes the school different."

Mr Twaits said the half of the costs to run the centre come from the school's central budget, with some coming from the Corporation of Trinity House.

The state school is funded by central Government and the local authority.

Mr Twaits referred the Mail to the school's governors for questions about the budget deficit, but none were available for comment over the weekend.

Mr Twaits added that staff and students of the school had hoped the centre – which was last year given Royal Yachting Association training status – could be saved.

He said: "Everybody at the school is in a state of shock.

"We were all hoping that something would come up at the twelfth hour but unfortunately it didn't.

"Clearly, I am disappointed that a fantastic facility and opportunity has been lost, although hopefully only temporarily.

"If there is anybody out there who knows of ways to access funding for this type of activity, we would be pleased to know."

Parents of pupils at the school said they were attracted to the school because of the sailing courses.

One dad, who did not wish to be named, said he thinks it is "appalling" that it will no longer offer sailing training.