Water sport enthusiasts grabbed their paddles and took to the river as part of a national activity week.

Heritage Coast Canoe Club, based at West Bay, held an open day to prospective members as part of British Canoeing's 'Go Canoeing Week'.

The club hosted the day on Saturday, May 26 which saw 30 people attend.

Joy Edwards, chairperson of the group, said: "The aim of British Canoeing 'Go Canoeing Week' is to encourage new people to try canoeing of kayaking at their local centre.

"We are the only canoe club between Portland and Exeter. "Our 'have a go' day was very successful, with 30 people aged 12 and over trying the sport for the first time, or re-kindling their enjoyment from many years ago, we had a real mix of ages.

"Many people said how welcoming and friendly our club was."

The open day also saw the club fundraise through selling drinks and home-made cakes, and will be running another open day during the summer holidays.

Go Canoeing Week ran from Saturday, May 26 until Sunday, June 3, with clubs up and down the country reaching out a paddle to those with different experience levels.

Jenny Spencer, Go Canoeing development manager, said: "Go Canoeing Week aims to get everyone of all abilities onto the water, having fun, clocking their mileages and really getting a feel for the sport.

"The great thing about canoeing is there is something for everyone, whether you take part as a family, or have been paddling for years and want to keep challenging yourself."

This year British Canoeing has urged those attending to clock their miles online, and have set a target of 45,000 miles across the week.

Of the 30 that attended the West Bay event, Joy reckons that eight will join them on a club night.

The group hosts weekly club nights on Tuesday evenings at the Fisherman's Green from 6.15pm until 8.30pm.

On these evenings, members follow the British Canoeing syllabus, gaining various levels of awards, paddle the River Brit to the brewery, and go on the sea if it is calm.

Joy said: "I thank the coaches- Paula, John and Luke for giving their time and expertise voluntarily to the club.

"Also to the committee, again who support the club in every way."

To find out more about the club, visit westbaykayak.co.uk

For more information on Go Canoeing Week, visit gocanoeingweek.org.uk