PADDLERS in Pendle have received a £7,000 boost to help fulfil a dream to compete in an unusual watersport.

Pendle Paddlers have been handed the lottery cash to buy specialist canoe polo equipment, and the group hopes to launch a squad in the New Year.

The 94-strong group has weekly sessions for anyone interested in canoeing for pleasure as well as fortnightly youth meetings and courses for beginners.

The club meets at Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne and from the New Year sessions will also be held at Wavelengths in Nelson.

Club secretary Mark Longmire said: "We're really pleased to get this funding which will be used to improve paddling skills as well as for canoe polo."

Anyone interested in the club can get details at www.pendlepaddlers.co.uk