RETIRED Tweed Daily News editor Brian Styman has dusted off his keyboard to write the history of a local surf club for its centenary year.

The launch of the 288-page book – 100 Years of Saving Lives – is timed to lead into the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Club's centenary celebrations, which formally begin in March next year.

Terranora resident Mr Styman edited the Daily News from 1974 until 1989.

He was urged by his friend, Peter Winter, to write this follow-up to Mr Winter's book celebrating the club's 70th year.

Although Mr Styman said he was never interested in writing a book, he decided to take the opportunity to give something back to the community and the club.

“I'm an honorary member of the club and whilst working at the Daily News I always supported the club,” he said.

Mr Styman said he first started visiting the club in the 1950s as he thought Greenmount was a beautiful beach and was the “place to be”.

“It's amazing that it has lasted 100 years. Few organisations do – let's hope it can last for another 100.”

Mr Styman said members seemed to be pleased with the book as they were happy that the twin towns' history had been mentioned as well.

“I have been researching on and off for about two years, talking to members, looking at the club's history, updating the book as it went on,” he said.

For those who follow the club, the book features memorabilia such as photos and events from the past right up until today.

Surf Life Saving Australia president Ron Rankin will launch the book this Saturday at 3pm DST at the club, where copies will be available for $65.