Local entries in the Devizes to Westminster canoe race are likely to soar next year following the launch of the Devizes Racing Canoe Club.

Although it has been going only seven weeks, the club already has 40 members, 38 of whom turned up for training at Devizes Wharf last Thursday.

The previous evening the club held its first meeting and Nick Cox, whose idea the club was, was elected as chairman. Ann Slator is secretary and Paul Papworth-Smith treasurer.

There are six other committee members and Mr Cox’s daughter Alana and another Dauntsey’s School paddler, Charlie Bouch, are youth representatives.

Mrs Slator said: “It’s very exciting, but a little daunting, how quickly the club has taken off. Getting enough boats is our biggest issue.

“Dauntsey’s School has donated a kayak and others have been loaned to us by various people. All in all we can get hands on about 20 craft.

“We certainly have four crews definitely interested in doing the DW next year and there may be more, depending on how they develop in the next few months. Considering we have only been meeting for seven weeks, the way the club has taken off is fantastic.”

The race itself developed from a challenge taken up by Devizes Scouts Pete Brown, Laurie Jones, Brian Smith and Brian Walters in 1948.

They navigated the then largely derelict canal to the River Thames and then on to Westminster in just over 80 hours. All four men, now in their late 70s and early 80s, are to be invited to become honorary members of the club.

Anyone wishing to join the club can contact Mr Cox on (01380) 730014.