Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club are turning to the public as they search for funds to replace their floodlights.

The club explained how the 'ageing' systems currently in place are no longer adequate as they try to grow their reach in the community.

A Crowdfunder has been launched with a goal for the time being set at £33,228.

A spokesperson from the club said: "With all clubs, and we are no different, we need to look to reduce our energy bills and replacing the lights for LED versions will help towards this.

"We have the two senior sides, a colts group, the girls section, and five boys teams trying to use the current lighting facilities on one pitch which are failing - we want to ensure we can continue to provide open access to the community allowing them to continue to thrive."

The club has over 300 registered players aged between five and 50 at the moment, with over 1,000 members of the community said to be regularly interacting with the teams.

The project is being organised by John Ladell and Gareth Gore, both of whom have played and coached at Kirkby Lonsdale's senior level.

They are currently the coaches for the under-14 and under-15 sides respectively, having also played key roles on the committee at all age grades.

The spokesperson added: "Our club has grown rapidly in recent years and, with the growing demand of new members to the club, we desperately need to be able to offer facilities for the mixture of boys and girls junior members as well as our adult members. 

"These community-based activities are helping the local villagers to socialise, improving mental health and wellbeing, something which is all too important in recent years."

The money will be used to replace the lighting around the pitch, with the control boxes being upgraded and new lighting added to a separate training area to allow further accessibility.

You can back the club or find out more information by visiting the Crowdfunder here.