A SCHEME giving Redditch children the chance to become more active has been launched this week.

Youth Afloat, a national charitable trust set up more than 30 years ago to help disadvantaged children get onto the water, is ready for a busy first summer in Redditch, at Arrow Valley Lake at the Countryside Centre.

Packed to the rafters with equipment, the centre, now aimed for all children, was the perfect location to set up the water activities including canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and power boating.

"We will be looking at extending our activities off the water as well, providing archery, orienteering and mountain biking," said Redditch Youth Afloat director Alex Cockshutt.

"We take school groups and youth groups but we also take special needs and disabled groups," he added.

Also on offer at the centre are once-in-a-lifetime trips around the country for groups of children.

Youth Afloat also offers the opportunity of training for staff already at the centre.

Five full-time staff will be on the books at the centre and 30 to 40 casual staff will also be employed.

As well as employing staff, Youth Afloat wants to make links with local colleges so those interested in Youth Afloat and what it offers can bid to complete a training scheme and work experience placement offered by the trust.

Mr Cockshutt said: "With the facilities the site offers we can provide training to all of our staff in training days.

"We are looking for Redditch companies at the moment to advertise on our sails, as the centre is a tourist attraction.''

Youth Afloat can be contacted on 464024.