A SAILING club in the North-East held an open day over the weekend to encourage people to take up the sport.

Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club welcomed newcomers to the water, near Consett, in County Durham, on Saturday.

All ages were able to try out a free sail with safety equipment provided by the club.

Susan Tate, 53, from Hedley-on-the-Hill, who runs the club’s galley, and has been sailing for 18 years, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day.

“A lot of people are interested in sailing and that is what we were hoping for.”

Two day training courses to teach people how to sail with all equipment provided are available at the club, which is open at weekends and bank holidays, for £125.

Wind surfing is also available through the club.

For more information log on to drsc.co.uk or call 01434-675033.