MONMOUTH Canoe and Activity Centre has purchased eight new kayaks for an activity centre in an area of Nepal that was devastated by an earthquake this year.

The Monmouth-based centre has close contacts with friends in Nepal and the Ultimate Descents Activity Centre based on the Bhoti Kosi and Sun Kosi Rivers. Many of those who work at the centre in Monmouth have visited Nepal; knowing the terrain and the normal conditions of travel around Nepal, especially in the highlands.

The series of earthquakes that happened this year which devastated parts of the country, made some areas impossible to get to, bringing severe hardships.

For those who did survive, the earthquake will have had a severe effect on the tourism industry.

The centre in Monmouth has raised enough money to purchase eight new kayaks for the Ultimate Descents Activity Centre, ranging from flat water to performance boats.

The Kayaks were Dagger Kayaks made by local company Palm Equipment Bristol, who sponsored a large quantity of safety helmets which are essential on the Nepalese rivers.

The equipment was shipped to Kathmandu where Brian Frost of Monmouth Canoe Centre was on hand to help with their final delivery to Ultimate Descents.

They will be used to help kick-start the tourism industry again and when not being used within the tourist industry will be used local schools and youth groups.

The Canoe Centre in Monmouth would like to thank all those that helped and donated money for equipment.