MARLOW Rowing Club has hit the jackpot after securing £1,000,000 to restore its fire hit clubhouse, it has been announced this morning.

The sporting organisation, where Sir Steve Redgrave learnt to row, has been waiting to hear if its ambitious £2m revamp would get funding and Sport England has now confirmed the award.

The cash comes from National Lottery funds.

Two of the country’s greatest Olympians, Sir Steve Redgrave and Katherine Grainger, together with Paralympic gold medallist Naomi Riches and Maidenhead MP and Home Secretary, Theresa May, will later today speak at a press conference.

The funding will be used to rebuild and extend the clubhouse, transforming it into a regional water sports venue offering canoeing, open water swimming and rowing. The club will also become a regional centre for disability rowing. The installation of specialist gym equipment, a lift and improved access to the clubhouse will make it easier for disabled people to train at the club.

Sir Steve, the President of Marlow Rowing Club, said: “I am delighted that Sport England is investing £1m of Olympic legacy funding into Marlow Rowing Club. I have fantastic memories of rowing at this club and I hope this investment will inspire a new generation to get on the water be it in a boat, a canoe or swimming.”

Mrs May said: “I am delighted Sport England has awarded £1million to Marlow Rowing Club. This money will allow more local people to enjoy a variety of sports in first-class facilities and ensure the legacy from London 2012 continues to live on.”

Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “Our £1 million investment into Marlow Rowing Club will help reverse the fortunes of this thriving club.

"Rising from the ashes of this destroyed clubhouse will be an iconic water sports centre, creating a strong and tangible legacy from the London 2012 Games which can be enjoyed by the people of Marlow and surrounding areas.”

Other sports clubs to benefit from the work include Marlow Canoe Club, Henley Open Water Swimming Club, High Wycombe Triathlon Club and Longridge Canoe Club.