YOUNG canoeists from Oakworth, Steeton, Silsden and Cononley will benefit from a new grant for their club.
Bradford and Bingley Canoe Club, which has taught internationally-renowned canoeists, has received £8,080 from the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The money will enable club members to restore wildlife habitats and stabilise the banks of the River Aire around their base of the riverside Bingley Sports Club.
The banks were damaged during devastating floods on Boxing Day 2015.
The club plans to coordinate the environmental improvement works in partnership with the Craven Family Trust, Bradford & Bingley RFC and Bradford & Bingley Cricket Club.
Club members include Charlie O’Hare from Oakworth, George Eastwood from Steeton, international competitor Connor Bailey from international canoe slalomist Beth Latham from Cononley.
Canoe club trustee Shaun O’Hare, who lives in Oakworth, said the banks provided a valuable wildlife habitat that supported a range of plant and animals.
He said: “The aim of the club is to provide paddling opportunities for all our members, in a safe but also challenging way.
"The health of the river is integral to the club’s purpose and as one of many custodians of the River Aire, everyone at the club is overjoyed. We have this opportunity to improve a little section.”
Visit bradbingcc.co.uk for details of how to help.
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