Kitesports in the Community, based at Southsea Skatepark, was awarded £6,800 from the Big Lottery Fund to go towards teaching children across the city about kiting.

Elaine Allison, who runs Traction Kites at the skatepark, set up KITC after noticing that a lot of children would love to be involved but didn't have the means to pay.

The group helps young people from local schools, clubs and community groups to get the chance to learn the finer details of kite flying through a series of two-hour sessions designed to encourage teamwork and help build confidence.

One of their latest events took place on Friday at Southsea Common.

Elaine said: 'Portsmouth is a place with lots of disadvantaged kids who see kite flying happening all around the city but don't get the chance to be involved.

'I used to work as a community warden here and it really opened my eyes to the fact that some kids really didn't have very much.

'This project will give them a chance to try something they wouldn't ordinarily do and help them make new friends, interact with other children and work together.'

She added: 'Kite flying is tremendous fun and very rewarding. We've run a couple of courses in local schools already and a deluge of kids have turned up to take part.

'They come to our sessions and, by the end of it, they're hooked.

'It's great to see the smiles on their faces and they get so excited and are desperate to come back as soon as possible.

'It is so rewarding to see the children engage for two hours in something they obviously enjoy doing.'

Since the scheme began in June 2008 KITC have worked with 175 children throughout the region, and the grant means that Alison can continue to offer the sessions, which usually run for two hours over a five-week period.

Alison Rowe, Big Lottery Fund head of the south east region, said: 'Kitesports in the Community is dedicated to helping children develop a sense of self and to make lasting friendships while encountering new experiences.

'I'm delighted that they were granted Lottery funding in this round of awards.

fran.duckettpike@thenews.co.uk