THE second phase of a development of grassroots rugby in the region has been launched by two stars of the game.

Newcastle Falcons captain Mark Andrews and the club's England international Garath Archer visited Consett Rugby Club to signal the beginning of work on the £500,000 stage of the project.

The stars met young fans and explained how the facilities would be used to help youngsters in the region improve their rugby skills.

The second phase of the development, which will bring the total spent at the club to £700,00, is to be built by Brambledown Landscapes.

The club will install two grass floodlit pitches, an all-weather floodlit pitch, plus fencing and a car park.

John O'Connor, Consett club chairman, said: "The completion of the second phase will be a real landmark for the Consett club.

"We have waited a number of years to reach this point and the fact that we will be able to offer our team and local schools better facilities will make a huge difference to their performance.

"We are delighted that one of the most recognised faces in rugby has agreed to come and launch the development."

Mark Andrews said: "Consett Rugby Club has invested a lot of time and money with the sole aim of offering better facilities to the local community.

"Investing in new infrastructure has made a huge difference at the Newcastle Falcons stadium and I have no doubt it will have a very positive effect on both the teams playing in Derwentside and the club itself."

Lottery funding of £400,000 from Sport England has funded the project, the rest being provided by Derwentside District Council and fundraising by the club.

Mr O'Connor, who is also Newcastle Falcons district co-ordinator, has been working to raise the cash for the last eight years.

He originally applied for a lottery grant in 1995 and had his third submission approved.

The first phase, construction of a £200,000 club house, is now complete. The rest of the facilities will be ready in time for the 2004 season.

The club opens its facilities to all schools in the area.

In the last year it has played host to 33 school rugby teams and to Derwentside district's under 12s and under 16s teams.