A first glimpse of where a £1.9 million watersports centre is being built on the Lizard Peninsula is being offered this month.

Helford River Children's Sailing Trust (HRCST) is developing Trevassack Lake, just off the Garras to St Keverne road, into a National Centre of Excellence for Watersports for All.

The trust is now holding a family open day on May 19, between 10am and 4pm, to explain more about its plans for the 26-acre disused quarry.

Visitors will also be able to try out for the time a unique new floating classroom, as well as kayaking and sailing.

There will also be food from Helford Hog Roasts, hot drinks and cake, and lots of space for picnics.

The youth charity is dedicated to helping children gain confidence, competence and resilience through watersports - and has recently received funding to the tune of £1.9 million to help realise its dream of a facility for all young people, particularly those with special needs and disabilities.

Simon Osborne, chief executive officer of the HRCST, said: "We are delighted to be able to introduce the public to Trevassack Lake for the very first time, giving people a taste of the activities and facilities that will be available onsite when the watersports centre opens in spring 2021.

"Visitors to our open day can explore the lake by sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard, and enjoy accompanied sailing with our qualified instructors on adapted Hansa dinghies and standard craft.

"There will also be a designated area for wild swimming.”

Co-chair Martin Barlow said the grant of £1,900,000, awarded by the Coastal Communities Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, had given the go-ahead to the development, which would take more than three years to complete.

He added: "Work will begin on site later this year, beginning with the building of a learning centre and two specially adapted, high-quality lodges to provide family accommodation suitable for children with severe disabilities.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to our open day to see the adaptations already in place – including pontoons for boat and kayak launching.

"We’re particularly excited to be able to unveil a unique floating classroom, which will be used for outdoor learning and to give young people with disabilities the chance to experience the freedom of being afloat."

This innovative craft, pioneered by HRCST trustee Jonathan Thornton and supported by the Mark Benevolent Fund, can carry groups of up to 15 people, including three wheelchair users, and visitors will be able to give it a try.

Visitors who plan to try any activities can bring their own wetsuits, or old clothes and a suitable waterproof jacket, although buoyancy aids will be provided.

Access is via a single-track road, with onsite car parking and overspill parking arrangements in place on the day.

Those with additional needs or mobility problems are encouraged to discuss their requirements for activities or parking with the HRCST on 07855 785102 or at info@hrcst.org.uk.

To promote the event children at Manaccan Primary School, many of whom are learning to sail with the HRCST, have written a radio advert and have been working with freelance radio producer Emma Gooding to make sound recordings at the Helford River, to bring it to life at the Pirate FM studios.