The newly-established Ross Sports Centre Community Interest Company is celebrating a successful bid for £50,000 to Sport England's Inspired Facilities Fund.

Therese Warwick, Chairman, said: "The grant will be used to refurbish the tired, worn out facilities at the site. The work would concentrate on the four existing changing room, the officials' changing room and to put in brand new showers and toilets. A new hot water tank and essential shutter repairs would be also undertaken as part of the refurbishment programme." Jesse Norman paid tribute to the Trustees and wished the project every success in the future.

Therese Warwick told the assembled guests that there were many people to thank for their support with the project. Firstly John Edwards and fellow Trustees in the Ross Sports & Leisure Federation for their unfailing commitment to the project. The RSLF benefitted from financial contributions from Martin Davies at PGL and Roger Parckar from Dawleys. These initial donations in 2008 enabled the RSLF to commission an independent feasibility study on the sports centre which was the catalyst for change. Sports Solutions GB conducted the study and consulted widely with local sports clubs, Herefordshire Council, etc. The findings were published in October 2009.

Therese paid tribute to Tony Featherstone at Herefordshire Council for his long-standing support for the project and to Dave Tristram from HC's regeneration team and Rob Grunsell from Community First for their guidance.

"This fantastic award from Sport England is the first step in a new era for Ross Sports Centre," said Therese. "The first phase of Ross having the sporting facilities it deserves."

For more information about booking pitches or hiring the facility please visit the website: http://www.sport4ross.com">www.sport4ross.com or call 07866 702205.