WHITCHURCH Rugby Club is celebrating after creating the town's 'biggest beer garden' and raising money for a worthy cause.

The club has seen little activity since the season was drawn to a close early at the start of lockdown, so when Boris Johnson announced that pubs and bars could open again it was decided a celebration should take place.

Wanting to bring the community together, the club decided to make use of their large outdoor space by creating a massive 'beer garden' on Saturday, July 4.

The club installed socially-distanced benches on the pitch and had beer on draught in the clubhouse, as well as serving burgers.

Chairman of the mini and juniors section, Sam Wynn, explained the reasoning behind the event.

"We wanted to do something to bring the club and the community together," said Sam. "Pint on the Pitch saw representatives from all ages of the club, mini and juniors along with the seniors were helping bar staff pull the pints, the ladies team were serving burgers and collecting jugs.

"It was great to see Whitchurch Alport and Whitchurch Cricket Club as well as the rest of Whitchurch support us, we're very grateful."

The club was thrilled to have also raised money for Group Step B Support Group.

Mickey Gardner, first team player, added: "When I heard that one of our members families had been effected by Strep B and had sadly lost their beautiful grandaughter at only six-days-old I approached the club about doing a collection at Pint on the Pitch.

"Everyone got fully behind it as we really are one big family so through peoples very generous donations we are proud to say that we have donated £500 to the charity.

"I know the family is very grateful that they were able to raise awareness and we are very grateful to everyone."

Such was the popularity of the event that the club eventually ran out of draught but the first team quickly swung into action getting more bottles to make sure no one went without.

The club also wanted to invite local food vendors to the event. Pizza Peddlers were enjoyed by many and club sponsors Powells Pie and Cheshire Ice Cream Farm came along too.

John Oakden, club chairman, said he was delighted to see people involved with the club again.

"It was lovely to see the club buzzing with activity again," added John. "Everyone was so disappointed that the season was cut short when we were doing so well but many members of the seniors have been sprucing up the clubhouse whilst they were furloughed.

"We can't thank them enough, the club looks fantastic and we were overjoyed to have everyone to share it with."

The club has announce that because of the success of Pint on the Pitch a second event will be held on August 1.