ADVENTUROUS teenagers from Huddersfield fly out to Portugal on Sunday for a canoe expedition.

But before they enjoy sunnier climes, and warmer waters, they got a taste of real canoe adventure – on the ice-cold Fenay Beck.

The beck, which flows through Fenay Bridge and Waterloo, is hardly ever deep enough to be used.

But this week’s snow and ice has meant water levels have risen enough to test even the most experienced paddlers.

The teenagers, aged from 16 to 19, are all taking part in a 12-week course run by the Kirklees Young People’s Service.

The Engage Canoe Project aims to encourage young people who are not in employment, education or training to do something constructive.

The hope is that after the course, they will move back into education or into a job.

Ian Jessop, one of the instructors who runs the canoe course, said: “The goal is to help the young people improve their employability and make a positive contribution to society.

“The course is for 12 weeks, and during this time the students learn how to canoe, they learn about water safety and rescue skills, first aid, how to work together as a team and expedition skills.”

Youngsters on the current course took advantage of the high water levels and had the rare opportunity of paddling Fenay Beck in Huddersfield.

They went into the water at Fenay Bridge, close to the Morrisons supermarket, and paddled down to the rear of The Black Horse in Dalton, tackling a waterfall and rapids along the way.

Instructor Greg Hoyle said: “Fenay Beck can only be paddled in high water conditions. The river is rarely just at the right level and the descent from Fenay Bridge to Dalton is fun and challenging.

“We got a few strange looks from people who saw us on the water.

“It was too good an opportunity to miss. Wherever possible we canoe locally, often on the Calder between Sowerby Bridge and Dewsbury, but we also travel to other rivers in Yorkshire and Lancashire so the young people can build their skills, confidence and experience.”

The course is funded by the Learning and Skills Council and arranged through Kirklees College.

On Sunday, the teenagers will fly out to Portugal for a canoe expedition. Previous expeditions have been staged in Wales and France.