RUGBY club spectators could soon be watching matches away from the worst of the weather after plans were unveiled to raise £10,000 to buy a shelter.

Durham Tigers rugby league club is hopeful of buying the shelter for its Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre base.

At present the club’s supporters have to brave the wet and cold weather in order to view games.

Club officials hope to gain planning approval from Durham County Council to put the shelter near to the leisure centre’s pitch.

Phil Selby, the club’s secretary, said: “We’re trying to raise £10,000 to buy a shelter, but we are finding sources of funding very hard to come across.

“What we need is a simple building like a second hand Portakabin-style structure. We could use the leisure centre’s facilities, but we’d prefer our own.

“At present our spectators have to stand in the rain. This will provide somewhere for spectators to stand around and to drink coffee while the game's on.”

The Durham Tigers club has teams for both sexes ranging in age from eight-years up to adults.

Club officials have already contacted Sport England and the County Durham Foundation as they seek financial help.

They are also looking to speak to the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership about the possibility of securing funding.

Anyone wishing to donate to the club’s fundraising, or who wants who could provide a building, should contact 01833-641143 or email pjselby@hotmail.co.uk