SWALLOWS and Amazons fans will be given a chance to sail in Peggy Blackett, a replica of one of Arthur Ransome's own boats, when it takes to the water at Arnside this weekend.

The vessel is a replica of Coch-y-bonddhu built by Crossfields of Arnside in 1934 for Arthur Ransome.

In the 1950s it was used to teach sailing at Earnest Prep School on the front at Arnside.

The real Coch-y-bonddhu - named after a fishing fly - is due to go on display at Windermere Jetties later this year.

It has been featured on a BBC TV programme with Rowan Atkinson sailing her. Peggy Blackett is named after the younger of the two Amazons from Ransome's books.

The author's Swallow was also made in Arnside and was kept on the estuary by a local teenager in the 1930s.

Alasdair Simpson, of Arnside Sailing Club, said: "Peggy Blackett will be taking out adults and children at high tide at Arnside (11.45am to 1.45pm on Saturday and 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Sunday) from the slipway by the Albion. There will also be a talk in our clubhouse in the evening about the different boats."

Geraint Lewis, of the Arthur Ransome Trust, said: "It is great to be taking Peggy Blackett to Arnside, where Arthur Ransome's two sailing dinghies were built."