ROWING clubs in north Suffolk have a clutch of new recruits inspired by the success of British oarsmen at the Olympics.

Team GB's record medal haul in the rowing events has prompted people to call their local clubs, eager to have a go at the sport. But some groups are struggling to cope with the demand across the county.

And this Sunday, Lowestoft Rowing Club will be an open day at Oulton Broad.

At Beccles Rowing Club, chairman, Robin de Vere Green, said he 'can't keep up' with the number of inquiries.

He added: 'I must have had 10 people telephone me wanting to give rowing a try. We do get a few from time to time but the numbers have surged. We hope after trying it some will take to it, but inevitably, some will drop out when they discover it's not as easy as jumping in a boat and collecting a gold medal.'

Geoff Steven, president of Lowestoft Rowing Club, said the increase in demand showed people were willing to try new sports, given the right encouragement.

The club is holding an open day at Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad this Sunday (August 12) from 1pm to 5pm, to give people the opportunity to try out rowing.