A COMMUNITY club has been given a new look – and the team behind it couldn’t be more excited to unveil their fabulous new space.

Distington Community Amateur Sports Club secured the funding to renovate its base in February 2020, but Covid halted plans before the work could be completed.

But with the £80,000 refurbishment now complete, a brand new space for the community to call home has been created.

“Absolutely everything has been done, from the windows and ceiling to the floor – everything,” club stewardess, Paula Speight, said.

“We had so many people volunteering to help, and the whole community has just been amazing. We couldn’t have done it without them!”

The hard work certainly paid off, with the renovations making the formerly “tired and very dated” club unrecognisable, featuring a formal lounge available for hire, a modern bar, accessible toilets and kitchen facilities, and even a cosy sports bar, complete with snooker table, darts board and television.

And Paula and her husband, Mark, who is also on the CASC committee, have countless people to thank for their efforts, including contractor Kit Adams, committee member Gareth Frazer, who secured the vital funding, Distington ARL chairman Mark Askew, and so many more.

The team is also grateful for the support of its funders, including the Copeland Community Fund, Distington Big Local, Cumbria Community Foundation, The Potato Pot Community Fund, Sellafield Limited, OneAim and Distington Parish Council.

Mark added: “We’re just so pleased that people have a place where they can come and have a drink, relax, and enjoy themselves.

“It’s a place for the whole community to use, from the young people in the club to people having christenings or birthdays – everyone is welcome.”

The good news for the village doesn’t end with the renovation, as an official opening date for the space has now been decided – with everyone invited to the June 26 event, which will feature plenty of local talent, including talented teen, Logan Murphy.

And while Margaret Hewer, club secretary, is excited the work is finally complete, the nerves are also starting to kick in.

"I'm a bit scared, to be truthful!" she said.

"So much effort has gone into improving the space, and I just really hope people appreciate it and use it, and love being here."

To follow the club's latest news, and keep up-to-date on the latest events being held there, visit the Distington ARL & CASC Facebook page.