Youngsters in York have been thrown a holiday rafting challenge by City of York Council as part of a series of water-based Easter holiday activities.

The council's York Leisure Office has teamed up with York-based Sandwood Sports to run a series of events at Wykeham Lake, near Scarborough, next week.

The programme begins with series of canoeing sessions but really hots up with a challenge to groups of youngsters to design, build and then launch and race their very own rafts next Friday (April 5).

Other events include a canoeing for beginners course on Tuesday (April 2), canoeing for improvers on Wednesday (April 3) and sailing in Toppers - a new addition to the council's popular water sports programme - on Thursday (April 3).

However, it is Friday's rafting challenge which really captures the imagination with teams of youngsters having to use a selection of provided materials to get a raft from drawing board into the water and around a set course.

Paul Ramskill, the council's community leisure officer, said, "This is a fun day out but also a great way of giving youngsters an opportunity to build team skills and confidence."

Booking for each of the week's sessions is essential. The courses are open to boys and girls between ages 11 and 18. Transport to the lake is provided and leaves the Barbican Centre daily at 10am, returning at 4pm.

Anyone wanting to book a place should contact YORtime Resource Centre, 20 Back Swinegate or ring 01904 553440 for details.

On Tuesday (March 26) the council ran a try-all day aimed at those who have not tried water sports before - just to whet the appetite of youngsters. Paul said, "It was a great success with lots of fun and laughter and around a dozen youngsters taking part - it was a great opportunity for them to try something new."

The council's water sports courses are not just for fun with several of the canoeing sessions allowing youngsters to complete British Canoeing Union Star awards.

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