Newquay holds 'first' learning disabilities surfing event Published duration 25 May 2012

image caption Cornwall Council and Surfing GB are among those supporting the event which will be held on 22 June

A surfing competition for people with learning disabilities is to be held in Cornwall.

It is believed to be the first such event in the UK and will include about 80 participants who will be assessed on their skills by judges from Surfing GB.

Organisers, The Wave Project, said it expected surfers from across the country to attend the event at Newquay's Fistral Beach in June.

It provides surfing lessons for young people with learning disabilities.

Project co-ordinator Joe Taylor said: "It is open to anyone with a learning disability from across the UK.

"I understand that the competition has already attracted the attention of people from Swansea, London and Newcastle."

The organisation uses surfing and the natural environment to help young people with learning disabilities and emotional difficulties.