Members of Thurrock Yacht Club have welcomed news that their base on the Grays river front has been recognised as an asset of community value by Thurrock Council.

The club has had an active presence at the site, which currently extends both sides of the sea wall since 1946, and the latest news has promoted confidence in the future.

As well as recognition of the club's status, the new Thurrock Council leader Mark Coxshall, in his inaugural address to the council, spoke of the site and the adjacent land as key to Grays's future.

He spoke of developing the area as a maritime centre with facilities for local sea scouts and members of the public to access the Thames.

Yacht club club secretary, Murray James says: "Registration of our club as a community asset recognises the community benefit that a sailing club brings to the local community, both for those who actively participate in the sport, but also as a rare visible link between the town and the river.

"For us it is not about prestige, it is about being established part of the local community. It is important that this is never lost. Being recognised as a community asset helps protect this site from future development."

The club has recently expanded its sailing activities with the reintroduction of dinghy sailing and is always actively recruiting new members.

Through its expansion it has built one of the largest fleets of club owned boats in the region, meaning that members do not have to invest in their own boat to enjoy safe sailing, a point that the club say marks them out as a true community sports organisation.

You can find out more about the club via this link: