Water sports facing the axe because of the dry spring and summer, have been saved by the storms.

Torrential rain over the last few days has poured millions of gallons into Doe Park reservoir in Denholme.

It means sailing, kayaking and canoeing, due to be scrapped for the last two weeks of a summer holiday programme, are now back on the water.

And its thanks to an estimated 50 million gallons of water which poured into the leisure lake within about 48 hours.

The 108 million gallon reservoir was only two thirds full on Monday. But by Tuesday evening it was full to overflowing.

Andy Craven, the centre manager at the Bradford Council sports and leisure facility, said: "On Monday it was at rock bottom about 30 metres into the reservoir from the shore - about 4.5 metres lower than it is now. By Tuesday teatime it was full to overflowing.

"It's hard to visualise the amount of water that poured in."

The resoivoir was so low, the two final weeks of the six week long activity programme for people aged ten and above, had been cancelled.

Some sailing could have gone ahead with the larger boats, but the kayaking, canoeing and sailing were due to be cancelled because of the difficulty in accessing the water from the shore.

"It has been an incredibly dry spring and summer. The last top up we had was in February or March.

"This rain has been great for us because it has saved the last two weeks of the programme," he added.

Up to 85 mostly teenagers take part in the activities each day on the £90 a week programme.

They are provided with wet suites and life belts, the sailing vessels and instructions.

Deborah Armstead of Keighley, who accompanied her two sons Thomas, 11, and Joseph, ten, to the centre said: "The rise in the water is absolutely astounding. I can't believe how quickly it came up."