CELEBRATIONS are in order as the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre on Portland reaches its first birthday.

The centre is inviting the local community to take part in the celebration, which takes places next Saturday, May 9.

From 11am, there will be opportunities to sail on the Olympic waters with free sailing tasters for children aged five and over.

There will also be the opportunity to have a go at climbing and a cardboard boat race will take place at 2pm.

The event offers a host of other fun free activities for all ages and a visit from Weymouth and Portland mayor Kate Wheller and her Consort Mr Michael Wheller.

The centre is owned by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation and operates as a not-for-profit sailing centre at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Dorset-based gold medal-winning Olympian Andrew Simpson, affectionately known as Bart by friends and family, tragically died in a training ground accident as he prepared for the Americas Cup in San Francisco in 2013.

The foundation was set up by Simpson’s friends and family in his honour and aims to support programmes around the world which promote Andrew’s and the Olympic values.

New centre manager, Alex Porter, who was appointed in February, said there were ‘some fantastic times’ ahead at the centre.

Alex added: “I’m really looking forward to working with the experienced and enthusiastic team here, running not only exciting new sailing courses but also the variety of charitable programmes.

These programmes include Bart’s Inspire programme, Sail for Life, Aiming High and the popular Rod Shipley 'sail for a Fiver' programme.

“I’m particularly looking forward to meeting local people who may not have been to centre yet, and I’m sure they will love what we have on offer.

"We have also introduced youth sailing clubs which take place on Saturdays throughout the year.

“Bart’s Sailing Club on Saturday mornings and Bart’s Racing Club on Saturday afternoons will be an opportunity for young people to come along to the centre, to develop their sailing skills and make new friends.”

The centre offers the charity the opportunity to develop sailing programmes in line with the foundations objectives.

In the centre’s first 12 months, it has offered more than 1500 subsidised places on its charitable programmes and is aiming to double that number this year.

The centre also receives an annual grant from the foundation, allowing it to support those aged five to 24 years from schools and groups to sail.

For more information visit andrewsimpsonsailing.co.uk