PADDLERS gathered at the edge of the Basingstoke Canal to celebrate the latest stage in the construction of a new clubhouse.

Members of the Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club witnessed the opening of their new clubhouse in Colt Hill, Odiham.

Ranil Jayawardena, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for North East Hampshire, did the honours.

Those attending then enjoyed an afternoon of leisurely paddling along the Basingstoke Canal.

The opening represents a significant milestone for a project that has been running for nearly 20 years.

The clubhouse, which still needs to be fitted out, cost around £260,000 to build, with some of that money given by organisations such as Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hart District Council, Sport England and British Canoeing.

Janella Mansell, the club’s paddlesport development officer, said: “The clubhouse will enable more people to join in the paddling activities on a weekly basis now that the number of people who can participate is not restricted by the number of boats that can be transported on trailers.”

Nick Bitel, Sport England chair, said: “Three years on from the Olympics, this National Lottery investment is helping us to deliver a lasting sporting legacy in Basingstoke.

“With investment now on offer from our Inspired Facilities Fund until 2017, we look forward to supporting many more sports clubs in Hampshire who play such a vital role in grassroots sports.”

The club currently has more than 100 members of all ages and is run by about 20 volunteers.