A NEW rowing boat was launched at Christchurch – thanks to the generosity of a charity.

The Clingan’s Trust made a grant towards the purchase of a single scull rowing boat at Christchurch Rowing Club.

Although the trust normally only makes donations to young people under the age of 25 who live in Christchurch, it wanted to support the rowing club as John Clingan, in his will written more than 300 years ago, wanted to support apprentices at sea.

Geoffrey Giltrap from Christchurch Rowing Club thanked organisations in the town which had supported the club.

Paul Mills, chairman of the Clingan’s Trust, added: “We are delighted to have made this grant to the young members of the rowing club and I am sure John Clingan would be proud to see this rowing boat named after him.”

John Clingan was a wealthy draper who lived in Christchurch.

In 1714 he made out his will to benefit the lives of young people living in Christchurch, which still happens 300 years later.

Applicants must be under 25 years old, have a financial need and a family home within the Trust area.

They must also have attended a place of education in the trust area. Go to clinganstrust.co.uk for more information.