A SOUTHAMPTON rowing club has launched five new boats costing more than £30,000, aimed at encouraging more people into the sport.

The Itchen Imperial Rowing Club, which dates back to 1916 and is one of the oldest clubs in the south, launched the boats following a government cash injection.

Councillor Derek Burke, member for sports and leisure, was there to name the boats before they were put to the test in a race with the south's other two salt-water rowing teams. Needless to say the Imperial club won.

The club, which is based under the Itchen Bridge on Crosshouse Road, has spent £38,000 on eight new rowing boats, a safety launch and a rowing machine for the gym.

Much of the money came from the government's Foundation for Sports and the Arts, though the club raised £8,000 in 18 months to help finance the purchases.

A spokesman for the club said: "Some of the boats have been purchased with cadet rowing in mind as well as increasing the variety of the fleet of boats the club possesses.

"The club will now be in a position to provide rowing for leisure as well as the ability to compete in regattas all year round."

The club was also holding a reunion for former club members at the event, with 12 former rowers attending the event.

Club Secretary, Gary Joyce, said: "It was a good day and we had a good turn out, and the ceremonial race went very well. It was particularly good to see some old faces that we haven't seen for a while."

Cllr Burke said: "It's great step forward for the club, and they have done a good job getting a lot of the money themselves.

"The launch went really well and it's good to see the support from the other local clubs, Coleporters, BTC Rowing and Southampton Rowing.

"However, the really good thing is to see so many young people getting out on the water, as it's a fantastic sport for young people."