A CANOE club has been boosted after being awarded a prestigious accreditation mark.

Tendring Canoe Club, based in Walton, clinched a Top Club Award from national organisation the British Canoe Union.

The award is handed out to deserving clubs which fill a range of criteria, including quality coaching and development plans.

Committee members at the Tendring club were given their award by mayor Iris Johnson.

Chairman Ian Rutherford said: “Receiving the Top Club award is recognition of the work we do as a club to get people out on the water.

“It works by looking at the club’s structure and framework to make sure the club has a plan in place for the training of coaches and safety features, amongst other things.

“It is often useful for attracting funding and helps us to raise the profile of our club.

“We have worked hard for the last year to achieve this prestigious award and it shows our commitment to the community and the sport.”

The Tendring club runs throughout the year, running sessions in Walton swimming pool during the cold winter weather.