Members of Pewsey Bowls Club are over the moon after landing £50,000 of National Lottery funding which will be used to stop the club from sinking – quite literally.

The cash injection is part of Sport England’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy programme.

The club was one of 300 projects across England to receive investment from the fourth round of the Inspired Facilities fund which has benefited more than 1,300 schemes.

The money will be used to secure its club house, which is available to non-members, from subsidence and modernise it.

Caroline Sprott, ladies’ team captain and project manager, said: “We were absolutely stunned when we found out.

“Sport England rang us to tell us we had been successful a week ago but we had to keep it secret until Monday.

“We were one of 11,000 applicants in this round so we were very pleased to be chosen.

“The club needed the money desperately because the club house is sinking and the work needed will cost £70,000.

“We’ve been fundraising but we’d never be able to raise that much by ourselves so without the funding we’d just be carrying out patch work.”

During the work, which is to start in November, the club house will be extended to include better changing rooms and larger toilets. A disabled entrance and toilet will also be installed.

With these changes the club hopes to attract more members, especially younger ones, and host more and larger events.

Members were told about the grant at a social evening on Tuesday.

Mrs Sprott said: “There were lots of happy faces around the room when we told members so hopefully it will encourage people to really get involved with fundraising.”

Club president, Don Andrews, said: “The members are very happy and excited. Caroline has done very well to secure this funding. She can take all the credit because she deserves it. She led the project and she worked very hard on it.

Pewsey Vale Bowls Club dates from 1923 when players met at the Greyhound pub, moving to its current premises in 1951.

Mr Andrews said: “This investment means we can upgrade the quality of our premises to match the quality of our playing green. It is the cornerstone of our strategy to have an outstanding club and community facility.”

The club aims to offer more sporting opportunities at open days and taster sessions to celebrate the award.

To register your interest, email Caroline.Sprott @btinternet.com