EXTENDING sporting activities in the community will be the aim of a York sports and social club after it moved into its new building.

Lower Derwent Sports and Social Club, in Elvington, have taken up residence in its £150,000 redeveloped premises - after it was handed over by York property consultants Lightly&Lightly.

Bigger changing rooms and shower areas, a large social and bar area, better kitchen facilities and a store room are some of the main highlights of the club's new headquarters - all of which comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Lightly&Lightly handled the whole project - designing, getting planning permission and even managing the construction by Sorrell (York) Ltd.

The 200-member club had outgrown its previous timber-frame building, constructed in the 1960s, which had a small social area and only one changing room.

Lower Derwent Sports and Social Club hosts one senior and four junior football teams, one junior and three senior netball teams, a ladies cricket team and a newly-formed tennis club. Work is also due to start soon on a new skate board park.

Steve Hovington, club treasurer, said: "We are delighted to have taken possession of the new club facilities which are fantastic and will enable us to expand our membership and range of sporting and social activities. Lightly&Lightly has done a great job, seeing the whole project through to fruition from when it was first conceived, on time and within budget. We could not have done it without them."

A year ago the club launched a new £60,000 floodlit, multi-use games area, the installation of which was also project managed by Lightly & Lightly.

Richard Hampshire, pictured, Lightly&Lightly director, said: "As a business founded in York, we are very keen on assisting community initiatives wherever it is appropriate and we have a track record for supporting sporting activities.

"We are delighted to have played such a comprehensive role in a scheme which will bring real benefits to the local community and give a wide range of people access to sporting activities."

Lightly&Lightly, based at Clifton Moorgate, also has offices in Harrogate and Hull.

Updated: 10:05 Saturday, June 04, 2005