A South Pembrokeshire sailing club is riding high on the crest of a wave this week after being awarded nearly £50,000 by the Sports Council for Wales's Sportlot fund.

Saundersfoot Sailing Club has scooped £47,021 towards funding an extension and upgrading of the clubhouse on the village's harbour in the latest round of grants which were announced yesterday (Thursday).

The extension of the clubhouse will include a new female changing room, upgrading of the men's changing room and disabled access and installation of a fire escape.

Wales has already produced an Olympic silver medal in sailing thanks to Penarth's Ian Barker and now Sports Council for Wales Sportlot funds are being released in order to create a production line of new stars.

Facilities are being developed at Saundersfoot Sailing Club as the current changing rooms are inadequate and the Sportlot grant will be ploughed in to building new showers and changing rooms in a development that will mean the club can cater for more sailors.

The site of the club will also be developed by purchasing a garage and a store. This will house safety boats and a maintenance workshop.

Commented club president Frederic Morton: "The committee are delighted that our application has been looked on favourably and we hope to start work on the project in the early course of this year."