CLYDEBANK youngsters took to the water recently as they enjoyed kayaking sessions on the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The activities were organised by Michael McInally, a youth worker at local charity Y Sort It to show the kids “what is possible on the canal”.

Not only that but the sessions gave local residents a taste of what will be on offer once the new activity centre, promoting cycling and kayaking in the centre of the town, opens at the end of the year.

Michael explained that feedback from the sessions so far has been “fantastic”.

The 39-year-old said: “We did six different kayaking sessions. Nearly 50 kids took part and we split them into groups.

“Some took part in the morning sessions whilst the others did activities at Awestruck Academy, learning magic, gaming, and other stuff like that.

“The kayaking sessions consisted of short journeys and games. Everyone loved it. All of the feedback we’ve had so far has been fantastic.”

The programme is being delivered in partnership with Clydebank CAN who fund the sessions whilst Y Sort It and Scottish Canals deliver them.

Michael said he would have liked to have got more people involved in the sessions however it is hoped that they will run each week during the summer.

The Whitecrook resident added: “We had a huge backlog of people wanting to take part, we just wish we could have run more sessions and got more people involved but we’ll be running more during the summer.

“The plan is to run these activities throughout the summer as the activity centre won’t be ready until the end of this year, maybe early next year as far as I know.

“But we plan on running them every week if we can.”

In January West Dunbartonshire councillors agreed to a construction contract of around £1 million for the new activity centre.

It is set to be located at Three Queens Square, next to the Forth and Clyde Canal, with the contract for a “modular and transportable building” awarded to Kier Construction Ltd for ten months at a value up to £982,000.

The building will be run by Y Sort It and primarily used for cycling and kayaking activities as well as there being a kitchen for food and drink.

The centre will also offer storage, washing facilities, changing rooms and will be available for use by local community groups.