A WATER sports activity centre has received a cash boost, offering residents the opportunity to try a new hobby.

Dinton Pastures Activity Centre is invited locals to try their brand new sailing boats after recently expanding its site.

The activity centre has secured almost £10,000 in funding from Sport England as part of its small grants programme.

Councillor Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from Sports England. It is a huge achievement for the team at our Dinton Activity Centre, who are always actively encouraging local residents to try their hand at sailing.”

The new RS Neo's are faster than traditional sailing boats and are made with carbon fibre rigs.

Eager sailors are invited to test out the boats at the newly-launched Twilight Sailing Club which takes place on Wednesday evenings.

The club is open to 16-25-year-olds and encourages them to continue to sail and develop their skills.

In addition, there are a number of adult sailing courses available in September and October, including Introduction to Dinghy Sailing course and Improvers Dinghy Sailing.