People with special needs have double the opportunity to take part in water sports at Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre.

The Challenger Club has been running for more than 30 years and when it started the club members had just one boat to share.

It had, up until this year, run every other weekend, but thanks to a generous grant from Nexen Petroleum, with UK headquarters in Vine Street, Uxbridge, the club has increased to weekly sessions.

Members pay £5 and can take part in sailing, rowing and canoeing in boats that are specially designed for people with limited mobility, every Saturday from 10am - 4pm from now until October 4.

Adam Wilson, Senior Instructor at HOAC, said: " We are able to offer this range of activities thanks to a bank of volunteers that turn up to help out. 

"This grant has also allowed us to buy 2 additional boats for our members to enjoy and we cater for anyone age 8 or above."

The centre in Dews Lane, Harefield, also runs an Activity Day each year for people with physical and learning disabilities.

The day offers a come and play session with sailing, canoeing, powerboat rides in a wheelchair accessible powerboat and kayaking.

People pay just £5 to take part in the day of activities, which runs on June 8 from 10.30am - 4.30pm.

It is highly recommended that you book this day in advance as places fill up quickly. Visit the HOAC website or call 01895 824 171.