THE region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity celebrated its tenth anniversary over the Easter weekend.

The opening of the birthday celebration garden last Thursday was followed by fun-packed family days at Lakeside, Roadford Lake.

South West Lakes Trust chairman Cairns Boston welcomed Lady Mary Holborow, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, mayors, friends, guests, neighbours and colleagues. He said: 'We have worked in partnership with local authorities, governing bodies and community groups to teach thousands of people to sail, windsurf, canoe, row and to appreciate and understand the countryside. Initiatives such as the Green Bridge project have seen us training people who were disengaged from society and finding worthwhile jobs as a result.'

Lady Mary Holborow, trustee of South West Lakes Trust, presented life friends trust awards to a few of those who had helped the trust greatly.

Receiving awards were Anne Parsons, Roy Retallick and Jonathan Calderbank.

Director of South West Lakes Trust, Evelyn Stacey, said its charitable trust had created around £1-billion of associated spending within the region during the last ten years, supporting many thousands of jobs.

The anniversary celebration open days saw a large number of visitors participating in the environmental and recreational programs such as guided walks, bike ride and fishing tuition, boat hire and the popular Easter bunny hunt for children.

The trust will continue to hold events around the region throughout the year. For more information go to http://www.golakeside.org.uk">www.golakeside.org.uk