ERITH Rowing Club has started the latest chapter in its history with the official opening of its new home.

The club, established in 1943, has moved from its delapidated headquarters behind the Running Horses pub in Erith to a new riverfront home across the road.

More than 100 people turned out for the official opening of the clubhouse in the former Thames river police station, now called The Boathouse, in Erith High Street.

The club occupies the ground floor of the building for its indoor training and clubhouse, while the boats are kept in a new secure store.

Its longest serving member, 78-year-old Alf Botterill, who was one of the club's founder members in 1943, performed the opening ceremony and told tales of the club's beginning.

Mr Botterill said he hoped the new facilities would help the club build its membership and attract young people into the sport.

Club president Mike Kennedy thanked Bexley Council, and especially its outdoor recreation manager Clare Wells, for its help in enabling the club to "secure this long-coveted prime location".

Mary Swann, a director of financial services company Capita, which occupies the nearby Erith Town Hall, christened a new double scull rowing boat, Capita Scull, bought with the company's £1,250 donation.

The club is looking to attract new members of all abilities.

To find out more, go to erithrowingclub.co.uk or call club captain Jane Axam on 07834 400086.