LONGRIDGE Boating Centre may be marking its 50th birthday this month but the celebration has been overshadowed as fundraisers desperately try to secure the last £150,000 to save it.

Longridge needs £1.5million to buy the freehold of the site from the Scouts Association - and has until the end of August before it goes up for sale.

If it fails, Longridge will be closed on September 30 and the land sold to developers for housing.

Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, supported its plight and celebrated the 50th landmark by visiting the centre in Quarry Wood Road, Marlow on Tuesday to see first hand the activities it offers, including kayaking, rowing, archery and sailing.

He also unveiled a new cafe and bench.

Amanda Foister, commercial manager at Longridge, said: "The cafe was all done on the cheap. We need to make more money on the site. We need to increase surplus.

"We have already borrowed some of the money for the cafe and the site and we have to repay the loan. The cafe is our first commercial stream. The parents can use it when they drop their kids off. The thing is the money left to raise has to come from donations - as it's a land-use scheme - and there are only three months left."

The prince, who arrived at the site at 2pm, was led through the picturesque River Thames and toured the site with 18-year-old senior instructor Rob Dean in tow.

Rob, from Hurley, who joined as a trainee last year, said he was nervous about meeting the prince. He added: "He was really interested in the kids and liked the archery. He told me he does sailing too."

Job hunting drew Rob to the site and as a result he said he has gained some valuable skills and acquired a keen interest in water sports.

Staff say he is a bit of a success story at Longridge.

Prince Edward was also greeted by the Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Phillip Wroughton, centre staff and children who use the facilities.

Hundreds of youngsters from neighbouring primary schools and Sir William Borlase's also took part in the activities.

He chatted with them as they demonstrated the equipment and even took a boat trip to view the island and more of the river.

Ross Faragher, chairman of Longridge trustees, said: "Today HRH saw for himself just what an incredible contribution Longridge has made for the young people of this country over the past 50 years.

"The tremendous fundraising efforts of the centre's supporters and my fellow trustees may come to nothing and the centre may have to close."

Longridge is also used for birthdays, corporate events and parties and more than 27,000 children have used the centre in the last year.

Amanda Foister said: "Longridge is a charity and here to provide affordable sports for young people."

* For more details on how to save Longridge, you can send an email to info@friendsoflongridge.org.uk