Frodsham Nub News aims to support our community, promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups.

Over the last couple of months, we have been talking to some of these local businesses and organisations for our 'Up Close in Frodsham' series.

This week, we chatted to Helen Shuttleworth, of Hover Force Adventure Activity Centre.

From a corporate team building hovercraft experience, to a children's birthday party off-road karting adventure, Hover Force has all sorts of unusual, adrenaline triggering activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

But let's start at the beginning: how did Hover Force come about?

"The business started back in July 2013 with one man, one hovercraft!" Helen says.

"Hover Force was founded by Paul Hanks, an ex Royal Navy fast jet pilot who, after leaving the Armed Forces, developed a passion for flying hovercraft.

"Hovercrafting is not as straight forward as it might seem. With characteristics that resemble boats, planes and supermarket trolleys, flying these machines is an acquired skill!"

So, it became Paul's goal to use his experience from the RN "to help teach anyone willing how to handle a hovercraft.

"Paul spent two years developing the business before it finally got planning permission to operate on the Frodsham Marshes in December 2013, as featured on the BBC programme Permission Impossible.

"Hover Force is now the biggest operator of its kind in the country, with its fleet of 10 hovercraft, buggies, shredders, karts and, new in 2019, Fort Wild Shooting Range, which is one of just a just a handful of places in the UK offering .22 Rimfire.

While Hover Force's hovercraft and off-road buggies are always the most popular activities with adrenaline junkies looking for a new experience, the shooting range is becoming busier and busier.

"Target shooting is a very popular sport and this year became even more popular for couples, when we were only allowed out with our households. It became a great stress buster and competition!" Helen tells me.

Over time, Hover Force has become a must-visit destination, with up to 100 people visiting every day and companies returning year on year to try its fun team-building sessions, which include the intriguingly named 'Duck Herding'!

As the business has grown, it has also continued to add new activities to its repertoire.

The latest addition, which is due to open when lockdown lifts, is a drone racing arena, where people can fly first person view miniature drones around an indoor obstacle course. A great way to compete against friends or hone your skills!

While Hover Force had to close for the first national lockdown in March, in the summer, Helen says that, "we saw a huge jump in bookings as people wanted to get out and have fun!"

The current lockdown restrictions have unfortunately brought Hover Force to a temporary standstill once again, with many disappointed customers unable to enjoy their long-anticipated hovercraft, off-roading or shooting sessions.

However, these have all been rebooked for 2021, and, to help people make exciting plans for a post-lockdown world, the Hover Force team are now offering gift vouchers.

These will be valid for two years, and can be used on any of their activities.

Hover Force have also begun their Christmas Sale, with new discounts on all their most popular activities being added every day between now and Black Friday.

For more details, you can visit their Facebook page.

You can read more about Hover Force activities on their website.