10 August 2012 Last updated at 03:49 ET

Olympic surge hope for Chester canoeing club

A canoeing club which was due to be axed by a council could be saved due to a surge in interest following the Olympics.

Cheshire West and Chester Council recently withdrew its £18,000-a-year funding for Sunday canoe sessions from the Queens Park High School boathouse.

The council took over the sessions from Connexions in April but then said low attendance made it unsustainable.

It is to re-consider its decision due to renewed national interest in sport.

The Chester sessions will now be run at least until the end of 2012, when options for its long term future will be explored.

Games 'inspiring'

Chief executive Steve Robinson said: "The decision to no longer fund the weekly canoeing session was not taken lightly, but it was entirely for the right reasons.

"The number of young people attending balanced against the cost to the council, at a time of severe funding constraints, meant that the arrangement in its current form was simply not sustainable.

"It is important to note this decision was taken before the Olympics and the magnificent success of the Team GB athletes - including Chester rowers Tom James and Chris Bartley, gold and silver medallists respectively.

"The Games are inspiring children and young people to try out new sports and activities, with clubs across the country reporting a surge in interest from potential new members.

"It is against this background that we have decided to re-visit the situation to see if there is an alternative way for the canoe sessions to continue."