The Southampton Seafarers Club has been officially opened.

It is the first seafarers club available to those that work at sea in the city for more than four years.

Visitors are able to access free Wi-Fi, watch TV, play pool and contact loved ones back home.

Though the club opened its doors for the first time in October, it was officially opened on Tuesday by the Bishop of Portsmouth Philip Egan.

Run by volunteers at Stella Maris – the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church – around 20 volunteers help with the day-to-day running of the club, as well as those that visit ships after arriving in port.

Regional Port Chaplain, Charles Stuart, campaigned to open the Southampton Seafarers Club since 2020, alongside fellow chaplain, Gregory Hogan.

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Speaking to the Echo, Charles said he’s seen first hand the difference the club and its volunteers can make.

He said: “We’re so pleased to officially open today, it’s been a four-year long journey from its inception and has taken a lot of hard work alongside our partners at the likes of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Seamen’s Friendly Society of St Paul.

“For years we’ve been visiting ships and speaking to seafarers, but they haven’t had a place of their own to go in the city until now.

“It can be quite a solitary life at sea, and we’ve seen first hand the difference having a hub on land can have, even if it’s for people who may only visit for a few hours, they can chat to people with similar experiences or completely switch off if they want to and video call family members thousands of miles away.”

The bishop blessed the building and read a prayer before unveiling a welcome plaque on the wall.

The Southampton Seafarers Club is currently open 11am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and is located in St Michael's Square, Bugle Street.