CHARLTON’S commemorative centenary kit collection has been launched amid the august surroundings of the Houses of Parliament.

Birmingham MP and long distance Charlton supporter Roger Godsiff organised the event on the House of Commons’ famous river terrace. Mr Godsiff is heavily involved in Charlton’s charitable trust.

Special guest was Charlton’s £2m Denmark international winger Dennis Rommedahl who modelled the new strip before dashing off for his club debut at Wycombe that night.

The Premier League have granted Charlton special permission to wear the strip in one fixture during the coming season, though Steve Sutherland, chairman of the Centenary Committee, said no decision had been taken as to which game that would be.

More than 1,000 centenary shirts, in honour of the 2004-05 season, have been pre-ordered via the club’s online Superstore, including 10 by Paolo Di Canio. All shirts will be sold in a presentation box and carry their own number so that supporters can register them on a centenary roll of honour.

The shirt is priced at £39.99 and will be worn in Charlton’s only pre-season home friendly, against Italian side Chievo on Friday.

Manager Alan Curbishley confessed: “There were many times when I wondered if Charlton would reach 100 years. What happened in the past is history and I believe we can look forward to the future with renewed optimism. Hopefully, the club’s centenary will coincide with our improving last season’s seventh place in the Premier League.”

John Woodfield, director of Charlton kit manufacturers Joma, said: “We have worked closely with the club to produce a quality product which fans will be able to keep as a memento of Charlton’s centenary season, enabling them to own a part of the club’s history.”

The launch was also attended by Charlton director Derek Ufton and Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Derek Wyatt, a long-time Charlton fan and season ticket holder.