A RUGBY club has been awarded £50,000 to redevelop its club house as part of the London 2012 legacy programme.

Richmondshire Rugby Club, in Theakston Lane, Richmond, North Yorkshire, secured the money from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

The club has already received £150,000 from a Ministry of Defence Community Covenant Grant to help create links between the military and local community.

Club officials formally announced the latest award on Saturday (26) in front of Richmond MP William Hague and town mayor Stuart Parsons.

The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135m Places People Play legacy programme that aims to keep the momentum of last year's home Olympic and Paralympic Games going in communities across the country.

Richmondshire Rugby Club also has a potential £100,000 to come from the Rugby Football Union, which means it will be able to build a fit-for-purpose community clubhouse, providing a modern rugby facility for male and female rugby players of all ages.

Richmondshire Rugby Club chairman Paul Rhodes said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment and we would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to this point."

Mr Hague said: “I'm looking forward to seeing the new premises and well done for coping in this one - it's a small miracle it has stood all this time.

"I hope the club goes from strength to strength.”

For more information about taking part in rugby at the club call 07932-032501.