A GRANT of £35,000 has been awarded to improve facilities at a north Durham sports club.

Burnhope Cricket Club, near Stanley, received the funding from Sport England towards the £45,000 total cost of new toilet facilities.

Once work has been completed the improved facilities will be used regularly by the local primary school and be useful for disabled members.

The club’s treasurer, Stephen Coverley, said: “The investment is needed to build disabled toilets and improve facilities for members.

“The whole village will benefit from the Sport England Grant and news of our success is been great boost to a small ex-mining village like Burnhope.”

The application was supported by north-west Durham MP Pat Glass who is a regular visitor at the club.

She said she had noticed the need for improved toilet facilities and was delighted the bid had been successful.

Mrs Glass said: “I attend Burnhope Cricket Club regularly as a spectator during the summer season and know the club well.

“The cricket club benefits from beautiful views of the surrounding countryside but the inadequate toilet facilities and limited access badly needs upgrading.

“I pay tribute to Sport England for recognising the wider community benefit their grant will bring. I join the cricket club members and the people of Burnhope in greatly welcoming news of this grant being awarded.”