A rugby club at the heart of the Castleford community is celebrating after receiving a donation from Persimmon Homes.

Castleford Lock Lane Rugby League Club has received £2,500 from Persimmon after applying to the housebuilder’s Community Champions scheme.

The club say the donation will go towards improving the club’s function room, which caters to community events for all ages.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, was on-hand to present the cheque to the club.

Councillor Jeffery, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Castleford Lock Lane Rugby League Club and see the fantastic work Mick and the team are doing to support people in the community and nurture local talent.

“They are an asset to our local community and I am delighted to see their work supported in this way.”

Mick Heptinstall, Duty Manager of Lock Lane Club, said: “The financial support from Persimmon’s Community Champion Scheme is gratefully received in these difficult times.

“The money will allow us to complete the refurbishment of our function room, which hold free active life classes for over-60’s, kick boxing classes for juniors and adults, sound bath sessions, addict recovery group meetings, birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, and wakes. Not to mention, [it hosts] 14 rugby league teams and 2 netball clubs.”

James Parkin, Land Director of Persimmon West Yorkshire, said: “Castleford Lock Lane Rugby League Club is doing amazing work and it is clear to see they have a hugely positive impact on the local community.

“It was fantastic to visit the club, learn more about its history and see how this donation is going to help. We hope the donation goes far in supporting them to carry on the important work they do.”