People with disabilities can now learn to row in Norwich after a specially-adapted rowing boat was donated to Norwich Rowing Club.

Norwich-based Almary Green Independent Financial Advisers handed the club a �2,000 grant in the inaugural Almary Green Awards – which allocated a share of �10,000 to various community projects in Norfolk.

Called a 'scull', the single-seater boat is a carbon fibre shell measuring 15ft long and has specially-designed floating pontoons attached which act as stabilisers to make the rowing experience smoother.

There is also a specially-adapted seat with a back rest which moves back and forth with the sliding seat. The boat is one of three sculls purchased by the club – based on Whitlingham Lane in Trowse – to offer disabled people the chance to learn to row.

Max Heron, Norwich Rowing Club trustee, said: 'This is an absolutely phenomenal step forward as we have never been able to offer adaptable rowing for disabled people in Norfolk and now we have the opportunity to do just that.

'Team GB is top of the Paralympics, so it is highly likely the interest in disabled rowing will increase.'

Carl Lamb, managing director at Almary Green, added: 'It is a real honour to have the boat named after us. This opens up a whole new avenue for people who haven't had access to this sport.'