PLANS to build a new pavilion and install floodlights on a sports field in East Yorkshire as part of a £300,000 project have been given the green light.

Pocklington Rugby Union Football Club's planning application for a pavilion at its ground in Kilnwick Road and for six floodlights at the site have been approved by East Riding of Yorkshire Council's western area sub-committee.

The club’s main site is in Percy Road, and the plans aim to relieve pressure on existing facilities.

Chris French, from the club, is thrilled the plans have got the go-ahead.

He said: "I am delighted that we can move the project forward. It is going to involve a lot of hard work fundraising for it.

"We're going to start as soon as possible with the money we have got."

The club has £150,000 in commuted sums, paid to East Riding of Yorkshire Council by developers and passed to the club. It is exploring other funding options too.

Mr French added: "The plan is to look for more grant funding. We will be investigating all avenues."

As well as applying for grants, the club plans to raise funds by launching a 'buy a brick' appeal, giving residents and businesses a chance to buy a brick with their names engraved on it for the pavilion.

The new building, measuring 28 metres by 15 metres, would provide basic facilities for players, coaches and officials and for the parents of players in the club’s many youth sides.

It would feature a clubroom, four changing rooms with showers, a kitchen, a storeroom, toilets, an official’s room, a first aid room and an equipment store.

The six 15-metre-high floodlights would be installed around one pitch.

"The pavilion would make a huge difference. Currently parents have to stand out in all weather conditions watching their children play rugby. They have no cover. The facilities are not sufficient down there.

"The floodlights will mean junior and senior players can train during the week and take some of the strain off the pitches at Percy Road."

Anyone who wants to raise funds for the major project is asked to call Mr French on 07702831538 or email him at chris@chrisfrench.plus.com