A RUGBY club has been recognised as having one of the most improved facilities in the country.

Richmondshire Rugby Club, in Theakston Lane, Richmond, was highly commended at the Rugby Football Union President’s Awards.

It has transformed the site from a combination of failing cabins to a stone community clubhouse with four changing rooms with shower facilities.

Future RFU president Jason Leonard presented the award to Richmondshire club president Nick Hunter and Jon Moulding, development officer, in recognition of all the hard work that provided the outstanding £300,000 facility for rugby players and community of Richmond and the Catterick Garrison area.

Mr Hunter said: “This was an amazing day for the whole club. It is great to be recognised nationally.

“We have one of the best rugby facilities in Yorkshire and a developing playing squad that finished in a reasonable mid-table position this season.”

The club, whose main sponsor is lettings agency Ward Horne, is keen to develop outstanding teams to match its facilities.

It is recruiting at all levels with touch rugby sessions open to all every Friday night from 7pm to 8pm and pre-season training starting on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6.30pm. Junior pre-season training starts on Wednesday, August 6 at 6pm.

The club is also looking to recruit a first team coach. Anyone interested can contact Dena Dalton on 07880-675014 or visit http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/richmondshire/.