MEMBERS of an Oxfordshire youth canoe club will soon be able to take to the water with brand new equipment thanks to a National Lottery grant.

Abingdon-based Pathfinders Youth Canoe Club has been awarded almost £10,000 from the Lottery’s Awards for All.

The canoe club, which is based at the town’s sailing club in Wilsham Road, was one of 87 groups in the South East to received a cash injection.

Alison Rowe, head of the Big Lottery Fund for the South East, said £622,428 had been given to projects in the region.

She said: “These projects will have a huge, positive impact on community groups of all shapes and sizes, right across the region.”

Canoe club chairman Dave Surman said the grant was terrific news.

He said: “The £9,830 will be spent on buying 11 modern specialist white-water kayaks and associated paddling and safety equipment to improve the quality of opportunities for young people in the club.

“Previously we had to rely on a fleet of ageing outdated boats.”

It is the first Lottery cash boost the club, which has 25 members aged between 11 and 18, has received.

Mr Surman added: “The club is already thriving with a full programme of activities for young people both on the river locally and further afield.

“With the new equipment there will be increased opportunities for participation by the community.”

The club runs a number of beginners’ courses for youngsters to take up kayaking. Specialist coaching and safety courses for club coaches, helpers and members, will be provided as a result of the donation.

Last year, members participated in a number of white-water river trips across the country.

In July, keen kayakers will be able to paddle Alpine waters in Slovenia.

It is hoped the new equipment will arrive within the next couple of weeks.

The group, which meets weekly from April to September in Abingdon, is keen to hear from anyone wishing to join.

For more details contact Mr Surman on 01865 373115.