EAST Lancashire yachtsman Andy Hindley told how teenage trips to Windermere inspired his career on the high seas when guest of honour at the opening of the new Tower Wood outdoor education centre building.

He spoke of how he first acquired a taste for sailing on school trips to the complex.

The 47-year-old brought up in Manchester Road, Accrington, was delighted with the £2.9 million new building Windermere Lodge in the Lake District.

Hundreds of pupils at East Lancashire schools are among the 4,500 youngsters every year who go for residential stays or day trips at the Lancashire County Council complex on the shores of Windermere.

Now officially open, the eye-catching new building is stepped over several levels, and tailored to meet the requirements of the Lake District National Park.

The accommodation will allow up to 60 visitors to stay in 26 mainly twin-bedded rooms, some fully-adapted to allow young people with disabilities and their families to make full use of it.

Mr Hindley first acquired a taste for sailing as a schoolboy at Tower Wood in the early 1980s and now works as chief operating officer for Ben Ainslie Racing, the British America's Cup team run by the four-time Olympic gold medallist.

The former Mount Carmel RC High School pupil, who had a successful career as a racing sailor, said: “I’m immensely pleased the county council has invested in expanding the facilities at Tower Wood, giving even more children the chance to experience the centre's unique blend of education and adventure.

“It played a major part in shaping my future during my teenage years. It gave me a thirst for adventure, a thirst I still have today, 30 plus years since my last visit.

“I'm happy to think that other young people will discover their own adventurous side at Tower Wood for many years to come."

Council chairman Kevin Ellard said: “I think this new building is an inspiring combination of beauty and practicality.”

Tower Wood is used by schools across Lancashire for activities such as sailing, canoeing rock-climbing and mountaineering.