CHAMPAGNE corks were popping at a Rubery sports centre after it was awarded a generous cash boost of £5,000 from your No. 1 community newspaper.

Rubery Leisure Centre, in Holywell Lane, will receive the grant courtesy of the American-based Gannett Foundation, of which the Advertiser/Messenger is a part.

The centre's committee decided to take the plunge and submit an application for the cash after reading a story in this paper. It urged community projects to take advantage of the grants on offer to them.

Rubery Leisure Centre is already used by more than 300 people every week for a variety of educational, leisure and sporting activities.

Their application detailed how the money will be used to improve sports facilities for 15 to 19 year-olds, deterring them from the anti-social behaviour, which blights Rubery.

It is also hoped that better facilities will encourage teenagers to participate in sport long after they leave school.

Chiefs at the Gannett Foundation were so impressed by the application they awarded them the full £5,000.

Alan Wallcroft, Editor of the paper, was the bearer of good tidings last week, when he telephoned the centre's treasurer John Ordish to tell him their success.

"We were delighted to hear of our success from the paper," said John. "The money will go towards providing more sports and leisure opportunities for fifteen to nineteen year olds in the Rubery area at affordable prices."

"The centre will be working closely with Bromsgrove District Sports Council and the youth services to provide what the young people in the area want."

He said that during the summer holidays tennis, five-a-side football and netball will all be on offer at the centre and youngsters are welcome to try them out.

Anyone wishing to join in the fun at the centre should call 0121 453 7716.