A paralympic gold medallist joined Marlow’s Rotary Clubs in celebrating the birth of a new branch this week which aims to draw younger generations in to the organisation.

Rotarians and Naomi Riches gathered in the Chequers pub on the High Street last night to officially launch Marlow’s third club – Marlow Bridge Rotary Club where eight new members were formally accepted in to the group.

The Paralympian was also appointed an associate member of the new branch – which joins the long standing Rotary Club of Marlow, formed over eight decades ago, and the Rotary Club of Marlow Thames which was launched in 1997.

The group – which had its first meeting in January – was created with the aim to widely represent all generations across the town is already nearing 20 members.

Members are now planning their approach to fundraising and community events, as well as establishing its own ethos.

John Prout, who helped launch the new club, said: “It is aimed at getting younger people to join, people in their 20’s and 30’s. There’s no age restriction as such but we are trying to bridge a generational gap between other Rotaries.

“It is not particularly common to open a new Rotary but I think we will see a lot more of it in the future as we try to draw younger people in.”

Over the years hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised by Marlow’s Rotary Clubs, with the popular annual Santa Fun Run set to raise £30,000 in itself.

Louise Kelly, who has been elected as chair of the club said: “To be able to help found a new club is tremendously exciting. We can shape the club to reflect our particular life styles and our interests – and it is a great time to join.

“We really would like to talk to other potential members -they are very welcome just to come along and see what we are all about.”

Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. More information can be found at www.marlowbridgerotary.org