PEOPLE of all ages and abilities across the Black Country and South Staffordshire are invited to push the boat out and have a go at sailing and windsurfing next month.

Clubs including Dudley Sailing Club, Himley Hall Sailing Club and Greensforge Sailing Club will be among hundreds of sailing clubs nationwide throwing their doors open to newcomers to the sport or those keen to go back into the water after a break - as part of Royal Yachting Association Push the Boat Out events on May 17 and 18.

Open days, have-a-go sessions and family fun events are all taking place as part of the initiative - with many of the events absolutely free.

Gareth Brookes, RYA regional development officer for the Midlands, said: “We are delighted clubs in the Black Country and South Staffs are taking part in RYA Push the Boat Out. We want the local community to get down to a club, have a go at sailing and windsurfing, see what the club has to offer and get involved."

Duncan Truswell, RYA sport development manager, said “This is the perfect chance for people to discover their local sailing club, meet like-minded people, have a go at the sport, find out how much fun it is, and how easy it is to get involved.”

To find the nearest RYA Push the Boat Out event and what activities are running locally check out www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo