A Rotary club is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year-long celebration to honour its members' achievements.

Roger Harper, president of the Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club, met Lord Mayor Christopher Davies and the Lord Lieutenant Mary Prior to open the event.

At the meeting in the Glass Boat Restaurant in Welshback, cheques were given to three city charities to formally launch the celebrations.

They will finish with a formal dinner in October 2009.

Mr Harper said: "I am proud to be the club's president at this exciting time.

"We have a number of projects promoting events for young people and people with disabilities."

Formed in 1989 the club now has an active membership of 50 men and women, who have raised more than £1 million in 20 years. The popular Dragon Boat festival in June every year is a free event organised by the club.

It aims to raise funds for charity as well as provide an exciting day out for spectators.

The Lord Mayor said: "I am delighted to be invited to this dynamic club and I am very glad to be able to launch the 20th birthday celebrations."

To find out more about the club email rogerharper@ hotmail.co.uk.