Camping and kayaking part of memorable summer for Blackpool youngsters

The Boathhouse has organised days out and nights away for more than 150 children and young people from the Bloomfield and Grange Park communities in the town.

Activities were provided free thanks to funders including BBC Children in Need, the Big Lottery Fund and the Pay Back Time Trust.

Boathouse chief executive Laurance Hancock said : “This project and its overheads have cost almost £35,000, but it’s worth every penny to see the difference we have made to so many children’s lives.

“I’d like to thank all of our staff, volunteers and supporters.”

Sophie Barnes, whose two children who attend the Grange Park Boathouse, said: “A big thank you from me, Kaitlyn and Aaliyah.

“They have had a fantastic summer and got brilliant memories thanks to this youth club.”

The Boathouse youth project opened in 2009 and has since worked with thousands of young people across the borough.

After becoming an established part of the Bloomfield community, a decision was taken to expand provision and in April this year a satellite project was opened on Grange Park, attracting more than 100 young people.

The ‘Bright Summer Days’ project is the organisation’s biggest annual output.

This summer staff and volunteers have organised sleepovers, camping trips, outdoor pursuits and excursions to places such as Aerial Extreme, Blackpool Tower and Flamingo Land every day.

During term-time more than 20 sessions of after-school activities are provide weekly. For more information go to www.thebhy.co.uk.