A FOOTBALL club with a proud sporting history is counting on new ground developments to cement its place at the heart of its community.

With Crook Town's fortunes on the pitch needing a lift, officials are hoping improvements at its famous Millfield ground will signal a club revival.

The club is close to signing a deal to buy the 90-year-old stadium from landlords Wear Valley District Council and has drawn up plans for a function room and other facilities.

Backed by the president, former Sunderland Football Club chairman Sir Tom Cowie, the new centre would become a community centre, something the town has not had since the old Elite Hall shut.

Club chairman Steve Buddle urged the whole town to get behind the scheme.

He said: "We have always had strong support from the Crook community and we want the club to be right at the very heart of the town.

"Our plans include a 150-seat function room with a stage, dance floor and conference facilities, which can be used by people outside.

"We will need grants for the improvements so that we can transform the ground and at the same time we are trying to put out a better team on the field. Once the clubhouse is developed, we will apply for funding to build a better stadium as well."

Mr Buddle is hoping to reach a deal with the council over the next few weeks.

Plans drawn up by Crook architect John Taylor are on display in the clubhouse and members of the public are invited to view them.

Mr Buddle said: "This is not just about Crook Football Club, it is about giving a boost to the whole town. We need people to become involved and get behind us."

Now playing in division two of the Northern League, Crook Town visited Wembley four times in its most successful spell in the 1950s.

After a nail-biting FA Amateur Cup final against Bishop Auckland at Wembley in 1954, the Crook players won the trophy after a second replay at Ayresome Park.