Chipping Sodbury Rugby Football Club members have been fund-raising since August to raise money to enable them to construct a wheelchair-friendly pathway to allow disabled supporters of the club, watch from matches from the sidelines.

The proposed access will start from the car park, across the front of the Clubhouse and onward to connect with the existing public footpath along the eastern side of the pitch.

Yate Rotary Club, have aided their appeal by donating a cheque for £1,500 to the club to help towards the footpath.

The club decided to install the access following a motorbike accident which saw one of their veteran members, Mr Lloyd Williams, sustain serious life changing injuries.

His son Ed Williams received the cheque on behalf of CSRFC, and expressed not only the club’s appreciation, but also grateful thanks from his father who will soon be able to watch matches from the sidelines, as before.

Jon Nutt RFC Chairman of Youth Teams said: "The whole project will cost £6,000 and this generous donation will go a long way towards achieving that total.

"We are absolutely thrilled with this amazing contribution."

Richard Gilpin, President of Yate Rotary Club said: "We have had a long association with Chipping Sodbury RFC.

"Every summer our South Cotswold Beer Festival is held on the RFC practice pitch, the club facilities are made available for campers and the rugby players help by lifting some 80 beer barrels onto the stillages ready for sale.

"We are delighted to be able to assist with this very worthwhile project."

It is anticipated that sufficient funds will have been raised for work to start on the pathway early in the New Year.