COTEHELE Quay Gig Club has expressed thanks to the community for its support after a successful weekend of fundraising and racing.

Local people packed Harrowbarrow Village Hall on July 5 for a quiz and barbecue designed to raise funds for a new boat for the club. More than 70 people turned out, helping generate a profit of around £500.

Grants and fundraising officer Jade Farrington said: 'It was really heartening to get such fantastic support not only from club members but the local community too.

'Liv Martin and the rest of the ladies' A crew put on a great event which ensured everyone had a good time while setting us on the path towards the £27,000 needed for a new racing gig.­

'I would like to thank everyone who came along or helped to organise the evening, it really was as successful as we could have hoped for.'

The club followed up with a strong performance at Truro Regatta the following day. Ladies' Vets came third in their race, while men's B came in fifth, ladies' A were eleventh and ladies' B twelfth.

These were solid positions based on their performances at the world championships earlier in the year.

Volunteers discovered their rowing was far superior to their language skills as they hosted Launceston Twinning Association and exchange visitors from Brittany, the same weekend.

The eight twinners and two children enjoyed a gentle row down the Tamar in the sun, and showed their thanks by donating £40 towards Cotehele Quay's new boat.

Some of the Cornish group liked the experience so much they intend to return for induction sessions and start social rowing.