The island branch of a charity which works with uniformed veterans, both military and civilian has transformed a worn down beach and captured the island’s imagination.

Heroes on the Water, which promotes kayak angling for former members of the armed and emergency services as a therapeutic activity has breathed new life into Port Soderick.

The work has seen the former arcade, which has lain empty and open to the elements for many years be reborn as a kayak storage unit with easy access to the sea.

A spokesman for the Heroes on the Water (HOW) said: ’The physical challenge of kayaking, the mental challenge of fishing, combined with the relaxing effects of water give a unique therapy that is now prescribed in the US military rehabilitation community.

’The people we are working with don’t want people to feel sorry for them or treat them any different.

’Everyone I have worked with over the years be it nurses, firemen, soldiers, sailors, they did not put on a uniform for the money or the glory, they just wanted to make a difference and they are still doing that now at Port Soderick for the benefit of others not for themselves.’

The work at Port Soderick has been ongoing for about the past 12 months with a dedicated team of Manx veterans doing most of the work alongside other volunteers and Mannin Angling club and Kayak Fishing.

HOW have access to the site thanks to the owners Ballacregga Estates which offered the former arcade for storing the kayaks and the safety boats needed as part of the planned regeneration of the former tourist hotspot.

Most recently, HOW have become more visible on Facebook after it arranged for the former paddling pool on the beach, for years buried under stones and debris to be uncovered.

The idea came from the support HOW has received from the public, some of who down at Port Soderick who remembered the pool and asking if uncovering it was possible.

HOW asked the landowner who agreed and the challenge was completed over a weekend, since that picture was shared, HOW has noticed even more support for its plans.

The HOW spokesman added: ’Digging out the paddling pool was just something that we thought would put a smile on a few faces and I’m pleased to say I think It worked.’

For more information on the charity and rejuvenation of Port Soderick beach, search ’Heroes on the Water Isle of Man’ on Facebook or visit www.heroesonthewater-uk.org.