WINDERMERE Rugby Club have been awarded a grant under the RFU 'Transforming Social Spaces' initiative.

The grant will enhance the club’s social facilities and provide a resource to be used by the local community.

The RFU has committed a £10m investment which will create a network of over 500 Lead Up & Legacy Centres aimed at providing a platform on which club rugby participation throughout England can be built.

The grants have been awarded in the build up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup which is being staged in England and Wales.

Windermere have used the grant install new for men's and ladies toilets and a new referees' room.

Club Chairman, Tim Wragg said: “We are delighted that our project has been chosen as a recipient for a Transforming Social Spaces Grant.

"We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Windermere, Staveley, Ambleside, Grasmere, Coniston, Grange, Kendal & the South Lakes can use.

"The 2015 Rugby World Cup will inspire a new wave of people of all ages to become involved in rugby and this RFU investment will help our club to be even better equipped to welcome newcomers.”

RFU Area Facilities Manager, Mike Barnett, said such grants were being awarded to help improve the rugby experience.

He said: “The new social space will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities, especially for local people in the 14-24 age-group.”

“This investment will also support the club’s financial sustainability leading into the Rugby World Cup and will create a focus for England 2015 and a lasting rugby union legacy for rugby in the community. The Clubhouse improvement phase I will help the club raise its profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.”