BERRY Hill Rugby Club has secured funding of around £200,000 for a major expansion of their clubhouse and facilities.

The club has been awarded a Rugby Football Foundation grant of £57,000 for the project and £50,000 from Sport England's Inspired Facilities Fund.

They've also been given an interest free loan of £49,000 from the Rugby Football Union, with donations and labour-in-kind from members set to make up the rest of the money.

Berry Hill first-team manager Jamie Elsmore said the rugby club's expansion project would benefit the whole of the village, not just rugby followers.

"We've always worked closely with the community," he said.

"Our schools, specifically Lakers and Berry Hill Primary, the British Legion, the athletics club and other local organisations are all going to benefit from this.

"It's going to complement not just our needs, but those of our patrons."

The work is already underway and should be finished by June/July.

See this week's Forester for full story