Work has started to improve the facilities at a rugby club in Cumbria after its massive fundraising success.

In April this year, Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Union Club announced that it had finally reached its goal of £33,228.

Read more: Cumbria rugby club hits 'eye-watering' fundraising target | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

This money was going towards replacing the ageing floodlight system on the premises, ensuring that the site was suitable for generations to come.

On Monday, July 8, the club shared the first look at work commencing, which involves more improvements than organisers and coaches John Ladell and Gareth Gore first envisaged.

They said: "Today [July 8] has seen the realisation of our campaign of replacing the floodlights come to fruition with starting on the ground works and the electrical work.

"The plan was to replace the failing lights around our main training area along with the failing switch gear.

"But with all the support we have received, whether that be individual or business, that has helped us secure extra floodlights for our third team pitch to allow extra training areas.

"[This is] absolutely amazing and will ensure there is a transformation of our club for all our young playing members."

The club started the fundraiser in the hope that they would be able to reduce their energy bills with more advanced LED floodlights, acting as a financial boost to keep the club running into the future.

Read more: Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club looks for funds for new lighting | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

"As a club and community, we cannot be more greatful of everyone's support," John and Gareth added. 

"This will help so much towards our training areas while also reducing our running costs by 60% when using the floodlights."

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.

John and Gareth are currently the coaches for the under-14 and under-15 sides respectively, and they spearheaded the fundraiser from its first inception back in January.