A POPULAR sports club is looking for support as it expands to cope with growing demand.

Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club, based in Chester le Street on the River Wear, has more than 160 members, including 90 juniors and is well thought of by British Rowing as a lead club for junior development.

It took a seven-strong team to the recent Great Britain junior team trials at Boston, Lincolnshire, to gain invitations to the J16 training camp run by British Rowing and the GB Munich Regatta trials.

All five athletes invited to the J16 camp finished in the top 15 and the two sixth form athletes gained invites to the upcoming Munich Regatta trial in Nottingham.

A club spokesperson said: "This comes on top of the club's coaching team, all volunteers, receiving national recognition last year when they were announced as the 2017 winners of the British Rowing Coaching Team of the Year award.

"Over many years the club has been a magnet for local youngsters. Rowing is a great fitness builder, increasing both strength, stamina, and coordination. In addition, it is a great way for junior rowers to build their team and leadership skills."

The club is seeking to extend its clubhouse and improve its training facilities in order to accommodate the increasing popularity and demand for rowing.

Any offers of sponsorship or support to help with this would be welcome. For more information email head.coach@clsarc.org