Paddlers test new lake

The facility, built on the former Manvers Colliery site, is more than 500 metres wide and will be used for all forms of canoeing and kayaking.

Today the potential of the lake near Wath was being shown by a group trying the Olympic discipline of sprint canoeing.

The south and west areas around Manvers Lake are being developed mainly for housing and a golf club and driving range are under construction at the north side.

Management of the lake is in the hands of Manvers Canoe Club. Spokesman Chris Hawkesworth said: “Manvers lake is superb for canoeing. It is big enough and the water quality is good.”