CHILDREN had fun learning to canoe.

More than 20 young people took part in a youth engagement community canoeing project at Winsford Marina during the summer.

They learned about confidence building, discipline and teamwork.

The project run jointly by Cheshire Police and Weaver Vale Housing Trust (WVHT) aimed to steer youths away from committing anti-social behaviour

Police community support officer Matt Johnson, who attended every session with PCSO Amie Hough, said: “The course was a huge success.

“The youths who participated were selected from the wards of Over and Verdin and Wharton.

“They learned essential skills such as discipline, teamwork and confidence building on the water and also took part in activities and theory lessons at the marina hut.”

PCSO Amie Hough added: “It was fantastic to see the youths develop in terms of both confidence and skills during the course.”

The project was part funded by the Cheshire Crimebeat charity and WVHT.

One parent said: "My son loved the summer canoeing. He has grown in confidence and it kept him busy during the holidays."

WVHT community engagement officer Georgia Winstanley attended every session and the water-based activities were led by Alan Reay, from Winsford Youth and Community Forum.