A SAILING club is geared up to inspire the next generation to take to the water after receiving a £10,000 grant.

The Sport England funding has provided the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club with five brand new sailing dinghies for children.

In addition, the club has spent a further £10,000 to buy five second-hand dinghies and a powerboat.

The new equipment comes as the club has joined RYA OnBoard - the national grassroots scheme enabling young people to sail.

Run by the sport's national governing body the RYA, OnBoard gives anyone aged eight to 18 the chance to learn to sail or windsurf and have fun afloat.

The combination of OnBoard status and the £20,000 boost to Yorkshire Dales SC’s fleet of boats will now enable the club to provide even more opportunities for local youngsters.

Erica Caswell, training principal at Yorkshire Dales SC, said: “Our sessions make it very easy and accessible for children and young people to try sailing and windsurfing.

"Parents can also come along so it is great for families, and we have a good pathway for those who then want to develop their skills through RYA courses.

“The children who take part really enjoy learning and sailing together and making friends, and along the way they are developing life skills such as resilience and confidence."