RESIDENTS have moved to transform the reputation of a village known for high-octane action at its nearby motor racing circuit.

Villagers in Croft, near Darlington, are set to pursue the more genteel pastime of boules and recreate French-style social evenings for the community to gather outdoors, play games and drink a locally-produced beverage.

It is hoped the North Yorkshire village centre's new boules pitch, which has been built at a cost of £1,300, will be the focus of regular events during the summer months after attracting more than 200 of the village's 450 residents to an opening event.

There are also plans to increase the continental feel further by building a pizza oven.

Resident Martyn Coates, a retired music teacher, said after enjoying playing the game during holidays in France, he had been forced to travel to Wetherby, near York, to play on a boules pitch.

He launched a drive to raise funds for the pitch, which saw villagers compete in a photography competition, sell Christmas cards, attend coffee mornings and fairs and sell old toys and games.

Richmondshire District Council match-funded the amount raised with a £680 grant from its North Richmondshire Community Partnership, which looks to support projects which can demonstrate a community benefit to keep communities sustainable and vibrant.

Ward member Councillor Jane Parlour said: “I was delighted to be able to support this unusual project which is already proving popular in the village.

“It will be a great way way to spend a summer's evening, playing boules while enjoying a locally brewed pint."

Mr Coates' wife, Sue, a former chairwoman of Croft Parish Council, said: "We had to explain to some people what boules was and one or two people didn't approve as they thought we should be playing the more traditional English game of quoits rather than boules.

"At the opening family event, which was supported by all age groups, the boules and beer went down well."

Mrs Coates said some residents had researched throwing techniques and that a boules league was being planned, while the pitch could also be used for parties in the village, which was once home to Alice In Wonderland author Lewis Carroll.

Matt Blyton, of North Stainley, near Ripon, who has served as a coach for the English Petanque Association, said he was pleased to learn of the development at Croft.

He said: "There has been a steady interest in the game over the years, but it remains very much a minority sport."