Thanks to its new £1m clubhouse, Durham Amateur Rowing Club is the first British rowing club to take part in the Playing for Success scheme.

A national initiative which creates partnerships between sports clubs and local authorities, the scheme uses a programme designed around sport to improve the numeracy, literacy and IT skills of 9 to 14-year-olds.

Club secretary, Barry Hudson, applauded the new facilities which have made this programme possible: “Rowing has been flourishing in Durham for well over 100 years, but the demands of the sport have changed and our members now expect first class facilities. We realised we needed a new building to remain a successful community club and to continue to turn out international standard rowers of all ages.”

Funded by Sport England, the DCMS, the Amateur Rowing Association and Durham County Council, among others, the new facility has a bar with a south facing terrace, new changing facilities, a function/fitness room, gym, kitchen and office, as well as the IT suite.