SELBY RUFC have launched plans to revamp their Sandhill Lane clubhouse.

The Swans have submitted an application to Selby District Council to remodel the interior and add a balcony - allowing the club to better look after its growing membership.

Junior sides are thriving and Selby, who play their rugby in Yorkshire One, have more than 1,300 members. Should the council give the plans the thumbs up, chiefs say it will allow them to redevelop "piecemeal facilities" and strengthen the club's place in the community.

The development would not see the clubhouse significantly enlarged, but would be concerned mainly with "an internal remodel and aesthetic improvement to the front elevation", a supporting statement accompanying the planning application states.

"It will see the total refurbishment of the clubhouse," said Nick Wright, Selby RUFC's director of facilities. "They have been built piecemeal over a number of years and it would see it all being stripped out and would be a lot more spacious and bring a lot more flexibility.

"We spent a good amount of money building the stand a few years ago and the training facilities and it has meant the rest of the club has looked a bit shabby. One of the key things for us is to make sure that, as a board, we don't leave a millstone for future generations.

"We want to develop a facility that is comfortable and fits in with what we need as a club."

Wright added: "We are in a good position financially and there has been a lot of hard work and a lot of input from people. We have a good relationship in the community, with local schools and we will hopefully we have a facility that is there for the rugby club and for the community to use as well.