Southern Norwich District Scouts celebrated the opening of its new canoe platform in Old Lakenham at Saturday lunchtime.

Funding from the Greater Norwich Development Partnership has allowed the Norwich Fringe Countryside Management Project to install the canoe platform at the Scouts hut off Sandy Lane.

The platform, which offers access to the River Yare above the tidal limit, has been built on land leased by Southern Norwich Scouts. They will look after the platform in the long term and will manage use by Scouts, Guides, community organisations and the public.

Alun Housago of Southern Norwich Scouts said: 'We are delighted to be able to give our young people and the wider community access to the river.

'The City's rivers are a major asset and managed use should be encouraged wherever possible. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the GNDP and the Fringe Project in making this a reality.'

The platform will form part of a wider Scouts facility in Old Lakenham and will soon be able offer a camp site and conservation activities for young people in Norwich and beyond.

Matthew Davies, of the Norwich Fringe Project, said: 'This is a great example of partnership working with the voluntary and public sector to improve access to the countryside on your doorstep.

'The canoe platform will open up parts of the River Yare to both local people and those interested in canoeing.'

Helen Lambert, of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership, added: 'This is a wonderful facility for existing and new residents to use. The platform has opened up this beautiful part of the River Yare which was previously inaccessible as the bank was completely overgrown.'

Information about using the canoe platform can be obtained by calling 01603 502246 or find out more about canoeing from www.eaglecanoeclub.org.uk