ASTWOOD Bank Cricket Club is launching an appeal to raise £110,000 to build new clubhouse.

The current building, which was built in 1996 following a fire, is unsuitable for cricketing and social activities.

It was cheaply constructed due to financial constraints at that time.

The plan is to extend the current pavilion and provide new, larger social area with a bar and a kitchen, something which the present building does not have.

The current site is to be converted into two large changing rooms, an umpires’ room and a special adapted room for disabled players.

There would also be a new storage building to replace the old container currently used to store the training equipment.

The club aims to open throughout the winter months and provide a variety of indoor sporting activities, including darts, bowls, skittles, yoga, dance and exercise classes as well as quiz evenings.

Astwood Bank does not have a village hall and it is also hoped that other organisations may wish to use the facility in the winter months between September and April.

To raise the cash the club are holding a number of events including raffles and sponsorship.

A spokesman for the club said: "We are hoping that everyone associated with the club, the village and the surrounding area will be involved in fundraising for this building that will enhance the club, the village and cricket in the wide community we serve.

"Help us to enhance this beautiful setting and great old club with the pavilion that they deserve."

The club has existed for almost 175 years years and has been playing at the current ground on Sambourne Lane since the 20s.

There are training sessions every evening during the summer months, and the Friday night sessions for girls and boys aged six to 14 are attended by more than one hundred youngsters and a similar number of parents.

To donate or for more information contact head of sponsorship Jason Adams on 07889 638 690 or email jasadams90@hotmail.com.