Sidmouth s newly-formed Gig Club have ordered their first gig. The 32 foot long rowing boat - being made in Cornwall - could be in town by next January. The vessel will have a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) hull and is being made by Trevor Deakin, of St

Sidmouth's newly-formed Gig Club have ordered their first gig.

The 32 foot long rowing boat - being made in Cornwall - could be in town by next January.

The vessel will have a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) hull and is being made by Trevor Deakin, of St Austell.

This is tremendous news for the club which was officially formed only in September this year.

These fibreglass boats are mainly used for training and are not permitted in formal Cornish pilot gig rowing competitions.

Sidmouth Gig Club are going to run a competition to name the boat, which will be launched shortly, through the Herald.

Paul Buchanan, chairman of Sidmouth Gig Club, said this week: "I'm absolutely delighted for everyone and heartfelt thanks must go to all the founder members and business sponsors who have given us a great start to our fund-raising campaign."

Nigel Winchester is heading the campaign to raise �50,000 which will finance a further two wooden gigs, oars and a suitable trailer. Thirty letters have already gone out to local businesses in the town centre and initial responses seem very positive.

Five of these have already paid �250 so far, namely: Coles Cards & News; Fields of Sidmouth Ltd; Ian Winchester & Sons; JSH Investigation & Technical Services Ltd; and Michelmores

In return, the business will have its name carved into the internal planking of Sidmouth's first wooden gig.

These craft can last for more than 100 years and thus represents very cheap advertising.

Additionally, the business sponsor could benefit from a possible link via the club's website and other potential advertising on the club's clothing and the gig's 35ft trailer.

It is also intended to name these sponsors on a Roll of Honour.

The club has set up a social committee to organise various events that will not only raise funds for the club but also help bring everyone together.

Julie Turner, with Mary and Lyn Bagwell, Richard Huntingdon, Kerry Gibbons and Nigel Winchester, form this committee.

The first social night will be a gig for a gig night at Sidmouth's Port Royal Club on Saturday, December 12.

Local group Ochre Lane have been booked and tickets will go on sale next week costing �10, to include food.

For any more information, please refer to the club's website on www.sidmouthgigclub.com