CANOES, wheelchair-friendly fishing pegs and a path for the disabled will all be part of a new £250,000 canalside park in Droitwich designed to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy the great outdoors.

The project, paid for by Sport England and carried out by the Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership, will also create a number of marked circular walks to encourage people to keep fit.

There will be improved footpaths to give better access to schools and the leisure centre, aimed at reducing the number of car journeys into the town.

It is one of just 24 projects in the West Midlands to be funded through the Active England programme - a joint venture between Lottery groups Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund.

The announcement comes as plans are being discussed for a £9m regeneration of the canals, which will create a 21-mile cruising ring.

"The award is fantastic news," said Tim Deakin, development manager for Wychavon District Council.

"Once the works have been done, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy much improved access along the canal and better leisure facilities at Salwarpe Valley.

"The canal is a much underused resource and we aim to help people make the most of it. Cyclists, walkers, anglers and canoeists will all benefit from the lottery cash."

Derrick Anderson, chair of the West Midland's Regional Sports Board, was delighted to award the funding on behalf of the two Lottery groups.

"The Active England programme focuses on increasing participation through maximising the use of existing infrastructure," he said.

"This project will allow the people of Droitwich to get active and stay active, whatever their circumstances."

Part of the cash will be used to employ a part-time canals co-ordinator for the next three years to encourage people to use the new facilities.

Anyone interested in the post should call 01386 565475.