COTEHELE Quay Gig Club members are celebrating the purchase of two new boats thanks to generous grants and support from the local community.

A year of fundraising and successful grant applications has helped the rapidly growing club increase its fleet, meaning it can offer more opportunities for people in East Cornwall to give rowing a try.

Many of the club's 100+ members officially launched plastic training gig 'Edgcumbe' on Saturday and celebrated the £25,000 Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund grant which will be used to buy a third racing gig. It is being built to order and is due on the water by the end of the year.

Club secretary Rita Hoile said: 'Receiving the Samworth Brothers Sports Opportunity Fund grant is a huge boost for Cotehele Quay Gig Club. We can't thank them enough. Not only will it allow more of our junior and adult teams to enjoy gig racing, it also means we can expand the outreach work we do with other groups.

'For several years we've been introducing students from inner city London to rowing when they come and spend time at Duchy College, as well as taking local clubs and societies out on the river.'

Only wooden boats made to the official specification can be used in the World Pilot Gig Championships and other races. A third wooden gig will mean more club members can travel to the Isles of Scilly next year and experience competing in the championships.

The club purchased its second plastic training gig after receiving grants from Calstock Parish Council, Cornwall Council and Caradon Community Foundation, supplemented by a loan from a club member and a programme of fundraising which has been well supported by local people.

Rita added: 'The whole club has rallied round and organised very successful events in their squads. A quiz and barbecue, big breakfast, Kernow King gig and St Piran's Party have made a great contribution to the plastic boat which cost just under £10,000.'

'Edgcumbe has already proved a huge help by doubling the gigs available for training as rowers prepare for the World Pilot Gig Championships in May. It will be a record year for the club which is fielding eight crews at the event for the first time.

'Cotehele Quay welcomes competitive and social rowers of all abilities and fitness levels from the age of 12.'

To find out more about the club, based on the River Tamar near Callington, visit http://www.facebook.com/cotehelequaygigclub">www.facebook.com/cotehelequaygigclub. For a free taster session email [email protected]">[email protected]