TWO Wharfedale sports clubs have received major funding boosts for improvement projects.

Otley's Grove Hill Tennis Club is celebrating being awarded a £75,000 Sport England grant from the National Lottery for its clubhouse replacement scheme.

And Menston Cricket Club's plans to create permanent outdoor practice nets are to receive £29,500 from the same source.

Both awards are from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund, which aims to help grass-roots clubs upgrade their facilities.

In Otley, the £75,000 award will provide a vital contribution towards the costs of Grove Hill Tennis Club's clubhouse replacement scheme.

The club, which has been running from its site off Ilkley Road for more than 60 years, is proud of its playing facilities, but has been hoping to replace its ageing base for some time.

Project co-ordinator, Phil Crook, said: "We're absolutely thrilled with this award.

"We've applied before and were unsuccessful but, finally, we've got there and it's the full amount we asked for, too.

"This will be a major contribution towards the cost of replacing our clubhouse, taking our total funds to about £110,000.

"We've also received £25,000 from Keighley Tennis Club and are getting an interest-free LTA loan, so hope to have most of the costs covered.

"We'd like to say a big thanks to the National Lottery for their help and to the LTA and Keighley Tennis Club. Without their support, this wouldn't be possible."

Grove Hill is intent on making the new clubhouse a community facility that will also be used by local groups, like fitness clubs or parent and toddler classes.

With planning permission already in place, it hopes to move forward quickly.

Mr Crook added: "We'd like to think we'll be underway by the end of the summer and get it built within two to three months.

"If anyone would like to contribute to our funds, or get involved in the meantime, we would be delighted to hear from them."

Anyone interested in supporting the Grove Hill project can contact Mr Crook on 07730 398576, or visit otleytennisclub.co.uk/ for more details.

At Menston Cricket Club, meanwhile, the hope is the new nets will help raise players' levels.

James Dracup is one of the many donors, who have already pledged money to the scheme via the club's justgiving.com/menston-cricket/ web page.

Posting on the page, he said: "By improving its practice facilities, Menston Cricket Club will... enhance its position as a vital part of the local village community, benefitting junior and senior cricketers."