A DORSET village is celebrating after being given a £60,000 grant to carry out major drainage work on its recreation ground.

The field at Lytchett Matravers is home to the Lytchett Red Triangle Football Club and Youth Football Club, as well a popular Saturday morning soccer school for boys and girls.

But in winter months, matches regularly have to be cancelled because of waterlogging. The soccer school has also suffered, with some youngsters giving up because of the frequency with which training has had to be called off.

The funding boost from SITA Trust will allow around half of the necessary work to be carried out at the ground.

Steve Reid, chairman of the Lytchett Matravers Sports club, said: “This project is a great boost for the local community, including youth and senior football teams.”

Club secretary Peter Ashton explained that another £30,000 would be needed to complete the improvements.

“The ground is used by hundreds of youngsters,’’ he said.

“Between November and February, because the pitches are so wet, we can’t run the soccer school.

“The children then lose interest and we lose a bit of revenue.” Jools Granville of SITA Trust said: “The community of Lytchett Matravers has been fundraising for a number of years to turn their dream of a decent football pitch that meets the rigours of our English weather into a reality.

“We’re delighted that our support is enabling them to finally move forward with this project.

“We hope that this work will enable people to enjoy the facility for years to come and look forward to seeing the teams in action in the very near future.”

SITA Trust provides funding for projects that enhance communities and enrich nature through the Landfill Communities Fund.