AN appeal has been launched for more sponsors to come forward and help raise funds for a new community boat store in Clevedon. The Marine Lake Enthusiasts Society (MARLENS) needs to raise more cash to help pay towards the costs of the new boat store being

AN appeal has been launched for more sponsors to come forward and help raise funds for a new community boat store in Clevedon.The Marine Lake Enthusiasts Society (MARLENS) needs to raise more cash to help pay towards the costs of the new boat store being built next to the coastguard station on the seafront. Work has already started on the building, which is expected to cost £24,000, and is due to be completed in June.The store will house eight Oppi sailing dinghies, eight kayaks and eventually three rowing boats.Although most of the money is in place for the project, thanks to grants from Yanley and North Somerset Environmental Company (YANSEC), North Somerset Council, Clevedon Town Council and as a result of local fund-raising, a final cash boost is still needed.MARLENS president Arthur Knott said: "So far we have attracted a number of local businesses to take sponsorship on the sails of the Oppi dinghies. But we still have two dinghies which we would like local people or individuals to come forward and sponsor."All the money raised will go towards paying for the new boat store and this is a great way for people to get involved and see their name being advertised at the same time as people are enjoying the lake."Sponsors to sign up so far are Fife Pharmacy, Bart Spices, Churngold Recycling, Bidwells Self Drive, D&D Office Supplies and TWA Computing.The next project being planned is to improve the slipway and the small lake which youngsters use for paddling.Plans are also underway to publish a book on the history of the lake.It is hoped that the book, being put together by the Marine Lake Enthusiasts Society (MARLENS), will hit the shelves at the end of the year.The book will chart the history of the lake over the years and is being published in a bid to raise money towards improvements to the seafront facility and generate awareness of activities held there.Anyone who wants to get involved with sponsoring one of the dinghies can contact MARLENS at marlens@blueyonder.co.uk or log onto the website at www.marlens.org.uk