REDDITCH charity Youth Afloat is to hold two open days to attract people to its facilities and to recruit more volunteers to keep the organisation buoyant.

Youth Afloat is part of the Johnny Johnson Adventure Trust and was set up in 1972 to teach watersports to disadvantaged youngsters.

Some of the activities young people aged eight-18 can take part in include sailing, kayaking, archery or windsurfing

Open afternoons will take place on Wednesday, May 18, and the following Wednesday from 2-4.30pm at Arrow Valley Lake, when schools and youth group organisations will be able to see what is on offer.

The charity is also seeking volunteers to help it deliver its activities and participate in the organisation, maintenance and customer service involved in running the centre.

Volunteers must be over 14 but do not need any experience as a full training programme will be given to applicants.

A charity spokesman said: "Any type of volunteer work will be much appreciated, whether it be from people who can offer specialist activity knowledge, maintenance duties or can just help with cleaning and making the coffee."

A volunteer training day is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, from 9.30am-4.30pm. It will cover health and safety, abuse awareness, operating procedures and practical training in water and land-based activities.

For more details, call centre supervisor Sally Huebner on 464025.