A CRICKET club that has worked to become an integral part of the community has been awarded £50,000 to extend and refurbish its clubhouse.

Crook Town Cricket Club, on Dawson Street, almost closed in 2013 but a new committee was formed and chairman, David Nevins, has worked tirelessly with volunteers to bring the building back to life.

“We have gone through quite a change during the last two years,” he said.

“This year in particular has been rather successful, and in some ways we have been a victim of that success. We don’t have enough room to keep up with demand.”

The club house is used by a variety of external organisations and function rooms are now used for exercise classes, slimming groups and many other events.

“Sport England has very generously given us a £50,000 grant because they have seen what we are doing here and they support us.

“The council has also been very supportive, they recognise the need in Crook for this development and we are hopeful that the planning permission will be granted as it will add even more to the area.

“The grant will help us make the club house more flexible for the whole community and that’s what it’s all about, integrating and strengthening our relationship with local people.”

Mr Nevins is seeking planning permission to remove the existing roof, create a first floor extension which would include another function room, and build a new roof.

The rest of the clubhouse would also be refurbished with the hope of adding ladies' changing rooms in preparation for a new female team.

"The plans are really impressive and we look forward to getting started if planning permission is granted.”

A design statement submitted with the application said: “The proposals seek to modernise the existing building including a first floor extension, which will be constructed of red brick to match the current design.

“Access will be from the existing lounge via a new curved wooden staircase and a new balcony will extend from the existing balcony along the extension area and the viewing area on the east side of the building.”

The planning application was submitted on December 11, and it is hoped a decision will be made by Friday, February 13.

To view the planning application, visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications and search for reference DM/14/03752/FPA