WILD bears and leeches were just some of the dangers a group of intrepid canoeists faced on an expedition to the lakes of Canada.

They were among 10 young people from Blackpool and the Fylde who have just returned with three adult volunteers from a month-long exploration of the lakes and forests of Ontario and Quebec.

The aim of the project, part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, is to help young people's development and aid their career prospects.

Project leader Stuart Sykes, a retired policeman from the Stanley Park area, said: "The youngsters had to be completely self sufficient on the trip but they coped brilliantly.

"They had to carry all their own food and then hide it high in the trees before nightfall so as not to attract any bears.

"The hardest part was probably having to carry the canoe over land for as far as 50 miles between the lakes. We had to stop once when one of the boys found leeches were sucking at his legs."

Now Stuart, 58, has received a £7,500 Age Concern Millennium Award to continue the project.

He said: "I am very grateful to Age Concern and the Millennium Commission for this award so we can train more young people to canoe in future and have more expeditions like this."

The Millennium Commission has allocated more than £2 million from the proceeds of the National Lottery to Age Concern for awards designed to encourage projects which bring generations together.

Grants are offered to individuals and groups of people aged over 50 who wish to use their skills to benefit the community.

The award presentation took place outside the Millennium Voyager mobile information unit on Blackpool Pleasure Beach which highlights how Lottery money is invested and provides information about funding.

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