RUGBY: Kidderminster Carolians Rugby Club will push further ahead with an ambitious ground revamp after securing a £130,000 National Lottery grant.

The Marlpool Lane side had to raise £140,000 by themselves to fund the first phase of the redevelopment, a new clubhouse completed in 2000.

Now KCs are celebrating a flood of money awarded by Sport England to create better changing rooms, costing around £300,000.

After an initial lottery bid in 1998 to support both projects was rejected, the club have been rewarded for their relentless fund-raising and persistence.

The latest plans are set to be started in July and finished by next January with temporary changing facilities provided in the meantime.

Development committee chairman Nigel Oakes declared: "It has always been our intention to provide the people of Wyre Forest with a first-class rugby club.

"Our pitches are among the best in the Midlands and the completed new accommodation will enhance the club's and area's reputation. It should also attract representative rugby back to the ground.

"Raising the club's share of the necessary finance has not been easy but our members and sponsors have been supportive."

There will be six changing rooms with en-suite facilities, two referees' changing rooms, a first-aid treatment base and a young players' area along with new toilets for members and spectators.

The improvements will also give a boost to female rugby with KCs' flourishing youth section able to cater for girls older than 11, while a proposed ladies' team will finally be given the go-ahead.

They have been backed by Kidderminster Youth Trust and are awaiting a Rugby Football Union loan.

Oakes, who was joined by Mark Blakeway, John McCarthy and Neil Sollom on the development committee, said: "A key aspect of the successful bid has been our sports development plan.

"The club has had the benefit of two highly-rated RFU coaches in the last six years and has used their expertise to improve coaching standards throughout the club.

"This has not only led to the senior sides gaining two league promotions but has also ensured all age groups from U-8s up are catered for by qualified coaches."

Oakes admitted the hard work of members and support of landlords, Wyre Forest District Council, had been essential.

He added: "Without the council's foresight in granting the club a long lease the bid would have failed.

"Our thanks go out to especially Andrew Dickens and his staff in cultural, leisure and commercial services, for all their assistance.

"I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make the completion of the second phase a reality, particularly my fellow committee members."

KCs, who finished fourth in Midlands Three West (North) this season, also boast their own netball and petanque sides as well as a bowling green and teams.

They are still looking for sponsorship next season and for the new development's grand opening.

Anyone interested can contact the club through the Shuttle/Times and News on 01562 633341.