PIGEON fanciers at a village club hope a Lottery grant will help their society take flight into the 21st Century.

Toft Hill Homing Society hit the jackpot when they landed a £4,073 Awards for All Lottery grant to upgrade equipment.

Members say the club is well-supported by local businesses, but that the significant cash boost has enabled it to buy new baskets and modern clocks, a master timer, data printers and computer software.

They hope the technology will see the 42-year-old club grow stronger and more competitive.

Club secretary Val Jackson said: "The grant means a lot to the club and we want to thank Awards for All.

"Some members are senior citizens and the kit is expensive to buy.

"We have to use modern equipment and want the club to keep up with the times, which also means recruiting new members, young and old, male and female.

"We've recently recruited our first female member and want more to follow."

For details of how to become a member, contact Mr Jackson on (01388) 834184.