BUDE Pilot Gig Club finished building their new boat tunnel after days of hard work.

Over the years the old shed had been mistaken by some opportunistic individuals for a free-for-all tarpaulin give away, and by the end of its days was patch-worked and not entirely waterproof.

It had been in dire need of replacement for some time.

The new structure is a 35 feet by 10 feet polythene tunnel worth £600, which has been kindly donated by Ferryman Polytunnels, based in Devon.

The company owners, Jo and Gordon Bruce, said they are pleased to support the local club. They also welcomed the sponsor­ship as it was a new, innovative method of advertising and a way of assisting a sport they admired.

Richard Parker, the club's boatswain who had asked for the sponsorship, said he was "so impressed" by their generosity.

With the new tunnel the club can now store gigs such as Regatta, which is one of only two four-man wooden gigs made by legendary boat builder, Ralph Bird.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.