A VILLAGE is celebrating after winning £50,000 in lotto cash for major improvements to the playing field.

The playing field at Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, is run by a committee of residents as a local charity and they have secured the funding for work to the village football pitch.

They are one of 97 sports projects across England to receive a share of £5.5m of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Protected Playing Fields fund.

The committee secured the cash to make improvements to the pitch in time for summer and it is just one of the steps it has taken in the last year to improve the overall facilities available. Over the course of the next 12 months, a number of additional projects are planned.

Chairman Sam Irvine said: “This is a very exciting time for us. We are delighted to have been selected by Sport England and hope this can be one step towards creating a real centre for our village and local community.

“The pitch currently suffers from excess water, an uneven playing surface and a number of resident moles, but this levelling and resurfacing work will create a first rate sports facility for local teams and individuals.”

Additional plans include replacing much of the playground equipment, developing wildlife areas and creating further opportunities for adult fitness.

The ultimate goal is to secure funding for a sports pavilion, creating a hub for the village by offering a range of classes, groups and activities.

The committee is seeking new members to help achieve its aims and anyone wishing to join should email CMPF@outlook.com