CANAL lovers received a boost this week when the Spa restoration project was awarded a massive £250,000 windfall from the National Lottery.

The cash will help provide a canalside path for walkers and cyclists through Salwarpe valley, as well as a trim trail, wheelchair accessible fishing and a canoe launch facility at the Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, in Briar Mill.

Sporty Spa folk will be able to try out a number of marked circular walks as well as canoeing taster sessions over the next three years.

Leisure chiefs at Wychavon District Council hope the network of footpaths will give better access to the schools and leisure centre aiming to reduce the number of car journeys in the town.

This is one of only 24 projects in the West Midlands to be funded through the Active England programme, a joint Lotto initiative between Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund.

Wychavon District Council's development manager, Tim Deakin, said: "The award is fantastic news.

"Once the works have been done residents and visitors will be able to enjoy much improved access along the canal and better leisure facilities at Salwarpe valley.

"The canal is a much under-used leisure resource and we aim to help residents and visitors make the most of it. Cyclists, walkers, anglers and canoeists will all benefit from the Lottery cash."

Chair of the west Midland's Regional Sports Board, Derrick Anderson, said: "The Active England programme focuses on increasing participation in physical activity through maximising the use of existing infrastructure.

"The Active Canals project will clearly achieve this and allow the people of Droitwich Spa to get active and stay active, whatever their circumstances."

An active canals co-ordinator will also be recruited to help run the canoeing taster sessions and to use the new facilities.

Anyone interested in applying, has experience of working in sport or community development and has a passion for getting people active can call 01386 565475.