SPORT facilities in the Chard area were given a boost this week when a community centre coined in £50,000.

Forton Community Association, including Forton Rangers Football Club, will use the money for the first phase of work to build four changing rooms with two referee’s rooms plus toilets.

The money will help the football club and other sides who use the additional pitches and bosses at the clubs say it aim is to reduce the shortfall of football pitches and facilities in the Chard area, and get more people, young and old, actively involved in sport.

They are still looking for extra funding towards the second phase of their plan, which would see a community hall with catering kitchen and bar built.

Forton Community Association chairman Andy Cottey said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment — it means we can finally upgrade our premises to provide a fitting home for our teams and others from the surrounding area.”