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People are being encouraged to make use of the wealth of waterways around Dewsbury with free canoeing sessions being offered as part of the ‘Outdoor Dewsbury Festival’.

The ‘Introduction to Canoeing’ sessions are being run by the Pennine Canoe Club and will make use of the facilities at Savile Town Wharf, Mill Street East, Dewsbury.

In the 90-minutes sessions, participants will be able to learn the basics of canoeing in a safe and controlled environment. They will use Open Canoes, which seat two people.

Sessions, 10am-11.30am and 12.30pm-2pm, are being held on Tuesday, August 3 (10-17 year olds), Wednesday, August 4 (18 years+) and Thursday, August 5 (10-17 year olds).

Participants, who should meet outside the café at the wharf, will need to bring a change of clothes to this activity. Do not wear jeans in the canoes.

There is also the opportunity to do a longer river trip, in Open Canoes, from Mirfield to Sands Lane Recreation Ground, Dewsbury, on Friday, August 6. Sessions are 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm. The meeting point is the Lidl car park in Mirfield and transport will be provided from Dewsbury to take participants back to Mirfield.

To take part in the river trip it is not essential to have participated in a beginner session, but it would be beneficial.

These sessions are expected to be popular, so people are recommended to book to avoid disappointment. Anyone under the age of 18 will need parental consent to take part.

For more information or to book places, contact Ann Williams on 01484 234018 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).

The 'Outdoor Dewsbury Festival', which runs from Saturday, July 31, to Sunday, August 8, is being funded by Dewsbury Area Committee to launch 'Outdoor Dewsbury', a long-term initiative to get people outdoors and active, and enjoying the countryside, parks and green spaces on their doorstep in Dewsbury.