SIX girls and a teacher at Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe, have launched a canoe club.

Home economics teacher Katie McEndoo, who is an experienced canoeist, and girls from years eight to ten are taking part in sessions at Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre, in Stockton.

They will lead to a qualification from the British Canoe Union.

"All the girls got off to a good start and seem natural paddlers," said Mrs McEndoo. "We started with a tour round the quayside at Stockton and then went on to learn the capsize drill and general river safety."

Teesside High School is on the banks of the River Tees.

"We have our own launching facility at school, so we hope to set up our own water sports club to allow the pupils to go on trips along the Tees," said Mrs McEndoo.