Glider pilots have launched a £10,000 fundraising appeal, in a bid to purchase the airfield they operate from and safeguard the future of their club.

Dorset Gliding Club, which is the oldest of its kind in the county and has trained numerous glider pilots – some of which have gone on to become national champions – recently learned the airfield it uses is being put up for sale by the landowner.

Club spokesman Ian Simmonds explained: "The members of Dorset Gliding Club are facing some important decisions about the future of their airfield.

"Eyres Field, the home of the club for the last 35 years, is part of a large swathe of land being put up for sale by the landlord."

Facing an uncertain future, the club in now keen to purchase the land, and members are hoping the fundraising launch will get a smooth take-off.

The club, off Puddletown Road, near Bovington, is affiliated to the British Gliding Association.

Mr Simmonds explained: "Run on a 100 per cent volunteer basis, everyone at Dorset Gliding Club gets involved with its operation.

"As well as flying, the club offers members a friendly environment, where all manner of skills are welcome, including aircraft and vehicle maintenance to computing and care of the grounds.

"Catering for a wide age of membership, the youngest of the club pilots went solo aged just 14 with the oldest member still active at 89.

"Gliding is a wonderful sport and Dorset Gliding Club is keen to keep this opportunity open to all, rather than losing this valuable local asset."

The club also offers opportunities to experience gliding for over 100 people each year through trial flights and many local charities have benefitted from free flights offered as competition prizes.

To support the appeal visit the club's justgiving page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/save-dorset-gliding-club