A GROUP of lifesavers have launched an appeal to raise £200,000 to build a new purpose-built base on Weymouth beach.

Weymouth Canoe Lifeguards, who have operated on the resort's sands since 1964, desperately need the replacement building because they say their existing home next to the Tourist Information Centre, on the Esplanade, is in such a poor state.

They are hoping to raise enough to move into a facility on the beach, where the former aquarium used to stand, which will be equipped with a boat store and enough room to hold training sessions.

Peter Willis, base co-ordinator, said the facility would provide the voluntary group's 90 members with a good quality home and improve the standard of lifeguarding in the town.

"There are a minimum of two canoe lifeguards on duty at any one time between May 1 and the end of September every year and it has been that way since 1964," he said.

"Our current base is simply not good enough. It is too small and doesn't have any changing facilities so it is pretty difficult to provide a high standard of training," he added.

Mr Willis, who says the aim is for the new home to be open by 2004, said the canoe lifeguards work closely with Portland Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to monitor a wide area of the beach and Weymouth bay.

He added that a large number of members were youngsters, who were trained to various lifesaving standards.

"The youngsters are a really important part of the group and they play a key role in what we do.

"After all, they are the future and hopefully we'll get enough money to build this base so they can continue doing something that is so beneficial to the community," he said.

Mr Willis added that the group, which holds training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday at the hut on the beach at 7pm, was seeking support from local businesses.

"The Weymouth Rotary Group has very kindly agreed for us to be its chosen charity from July and I'd like to say a big thank you.

"We would also be delighted to hear from any other businesses who would like to help in any way," he added.

For more information on the appeal call Peter Willis on (01305) 833638.