PERSHORE Rugby Club have revealed plans to boost investment at all levels and become a key sports and social centre for the Vale community.

New chairman Rick George says the aim in the next two years is to double the number of men, women and children playing sport and socialising at their Piddle Park home.

George said: “A pivotal part of our plan is to make major investment to completely refurbish all of the club’s facilities.

"Within the existing footprint of our building we will build modern new changing rooms so that men, women and children can play sports at the same time.

"And we are going to completely refurbish the clubhouse bar and catering facilities too.

“We already have a fabulous location and some of the best pitches in the county and so the idea is to upgrade the clubhouse to match that for existing and new players.

"Architects’ plans will be on show at the clubhouse in the autumn.”

Investment in coaching is a further key part of Pershore’s new plans.

Sought-after RFU community officer Jon Critchlow has been signed up for a second season to coach Pershore’s men’s rugby union squads after a successful first term developing their play and attracting new players.

Pershore will also build on their coaching to develop the skills of existing and new volunteers.

The club have one women's and two men’s contact sides and women’s and mixed touch rugby squads plus a thriving minis and juniors section.

Pershore will host a rugby union open day and beer festival on Saturday, September 8, from 1pm until 6pm.

The first XV men will play Burbage and the club’s social XV men face Stourport.

There will be a minis and juniors annual fun day on Sunday, September 16, from 10.30am until 1pm.

George added Pershore hope to increase their popularity as a venue for community events and functions.