BOATING lakes in parks have been popular since Victorian times but a North-East town is bringing the pastime up to date.

Albert Park, in Middlesbrough, is offering youngsters the opportunity to try out power boating on the recently-refurbished lower lake.

At speeds of 30mph, the inflatables skip across the water as the roar of the outboard motor replaces the traditional gentle splash of the oars.

There is a choppy ride through the fountain, a sharp turn round one of the islands, then full throttle through one of the straights to get the adrenaline going.

The experience was the brainchild of Trevor Forster, of Teesside Nautical Studies, who runs powerboat courses on the River Tees.

"It is supposed to get young people involved with the youth service in Middlesbrough so they can try things they have never before," said Mr Forster.

"The kids get a real buzz out of it."

The lake has been used for boating since 1876, ten years after the town's first MP, Henry Bolckow, donated the park to the people of the town.

In those days, boating was a relatively new leisure experience, available for a shilling an hour and enjoyed by local workers.

By the 1950s, a small fleet of motorboats were being hired out and proved extremely popular but were phased out because of safety fears, the expense and concerns about the impact on the environment.

The park is halfway through a £4.5m facelift and work to dredge the lake, renew the edging and brighten up the nearby skating rink was completed last year.

Dinghies being used this week are considerably "cleaner" than those in bygone days and risk assessments have been carried out to ensure the safety of children as well as the resident ducks and fish.

Sessions are running until tomorrow and are fully booked. However, between 11.30am and midday, and 2.30pm and 3pm, children can get a free-five minute ride if their parents sign a consent form.