AN OUTDOOR centre in Swanage that has given children their first taste of the seaside for the past 80 years has marked the landmark anniversary.

The Townsend Environmental Study Centre in Cobblers Lane was set up by Bournemouth Rotary in July 1929 as “something worth doing” and “to give the poorest children from the dark slums of the great cities a holiday in healthy surroundings”.

On Thursday, the centre invited Rotarians, staff, trustees and neighbours to celebrate its 80th birthday with a performance by the Brentwood British Legion Band, speakers on the centre’s history, an exhibition of memorabilia, lunch and a tour.

The centre’s ethos remains much the same as when it opened – it still works closely with Greenwich Council – and it offers activities covering everything from art to bush craft.

Head of centre Catherine Mittins, said: “It’s been great to celebrate the rich history of the centre on our 80th anniversary. All of us at the Townsend centre have been inspired by the stories we’ve read and heard from 1929.

“It’s brought home the fact that today we are continuing the work of the Bournemouth Rotarians.”