A SAILING club is appealing for help to restore a historic figurehead to its former glory.

Sussex Yacht Club, in Brighton Road, Shoreham, is in the final stages of construction. Its previous premises nearby are set to be demolished to make way for new sea defences and it hopes to open in its new home later this year.

The new clubhouse, which is closer to the riverside, has modern facilities designed to allow sailors with disabilities to have the best experience.

The club wants to keep some of its old traditions in the new building and is honouring its heritage with several features highlighting its important history in Shoreham.

The 120-year old figurehead, which was a familiar sight in the former clubhouse, will be given pride of place in the new restaurant facing out to sea.

But the club is now asking for help to refurbish the wooden sculpture, which is thought to be from a boat called The Britannia, which was built in Shoreham in 1887. The figurehead used to hang in the club entrance.

The Argus: Susses Yacht Club's figurehead needs restoration.Susses Yacht Club's figurehead needs restoration.

Kevin Headon, Commodore of Sussex Yacht Club, said: “The figurehead is a part of our history, one that we are so proud of at Sussex Yacht club.  Once restored, she will take pride of place in our new restaurant, ensuring we honour this heritage in our exciting new development.

“We are appealing for help from anyone who has the skills to help return her to her former splendour, protecting the sculpture and ensuring it remains a part of our future as well as our past.

“We believe our new clubhouse will be a development that the people of Shoreham can be proud of and are we are looking forward to welcoming members and the community in to see what we have on offer. I hope that we will be able to share a newly restored piece of our history as we open.”

Founded in 1892, the Sussex Yacht Club is one of the oldest sailing clubs in the country.