THE community has pulled together for an amateur football club to have changing rooms put in place.

Hag Fold FC moved from their home turf next to Dorset Road Community Centre last season as new league regulations meant all teams need to offer changing rooms.

The club rented a pitch alongside Howe Bridge Leisure Centre and made plans to have their own suitable facilities for the following season.

Manager Tony Hurst, who has been running the club for 10 years, said: "It means a lot to have our changing rooms and to be based back at our home ground.

"We are really grateful for all the help we have been given."

Atherton councillors Stuart Gerrard and Jamie Hodgkinson have provided £3,000 from their Brighter Borough funding to pay for a cabin to hold the changing rooms.

Their fellow ward councillor, Martin Aldred, has offered funds for fencing too.

A group of businesses and a library group have also donated funds and carried out maintenance work to separate the cabin into three rooms and to fit benches.

Resident Tony Hogan has been praised for supporting the club at meetings and sharing his knowledge.

The club are holding free coaching sessions for boys and girls aged from seven to 14 on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7.15pm as a way of repaying the community.  

For more information go to the Hag Fold Open Group Facebook page.