A LOCAL sports club is set to make improvements to its headquarters after receiving a £6,500 grant from Barnsley Council.

Ingbirchworth Petanque Club was one of the successful applicants to the council’s Pride of Place Fund.

Petanque is similar to the game of boules and the club, which has 40 members who meet twice a week, was founded in September.

It’s hoped the grant will improve facilities at the club whilst also encouraging more people to join.

David Karle, chairman of the club, said: “The funding will enable non-playing members of our village to come up, sit and watch people playing the game of petanque and get involved in the full social experience of the club sessions.

“Petanque is a great social sport, quite a simple sport to play, and it’s a fun game to be played by any age group, from children all the way up to people in their 90s.”

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, added: “We are delighted to support Ingbirchworth Petanque Club and our other successful Pride of Place applicants.

“They are all making a positive difference in their local areas.

“The Pride of Place Fund is a great opportunity to showcase the spirit and of our communities and help them achieve their goals.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects and the benefits they will bring to the residents of Barnsley.”