A company that specialises in providing communal and emergency lighting systems for social housing is offering a rare sporting chance to underprivileged youngsters.

Commulite’s commitment to helping young people on the fringes of society has continued with the advent of a sailing project hosted by award-winning training centre.

The scheme, part of the company’s Brighter Futures initiative, will see six youngsters, aged between 12 and 16 years old, given a rare chance to experience a sailing course this summer at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre.

John Bishop, a keen sailor and chief executive of Commulite, said: “We created the Brighter Futures scheme to introduce underprivileged children to aspects of life that they might have otherwise never experienced.

“I believe strongly that the skills learned in sailing can be a source of lifelong pleasure, potentially inspiring young people to go on and achieve great things.”

The lucky six youngsters will take place in a four-week training course which will eventually see them achieve their RYA  Level 1 sailing qualification and be brought up to racing standards. There will also be an opportunity to race for the Adam Bishop Cup, named in memory of John’s son, himself a keen sailor.

Posters have been put up in schools throughout the Newham borough inviting pupils to apply and explain why they feel they should be given the opportunity to sail. The selection process will be approved and vetted by teachers and qualified personnel from Newham council.

The sailing scheme follows Commulite’s commitment to helping young people in their community. For every luminaire sold, £1 is donated to Action for Children – with all the money going towards projects in their local area.

Commulite – the leading UK manufacturer of energy saving communal and emergency LED lighting systems – recently donated £1,700 towards Camden Short Breaks, a purpose-built play centre.