A village sports pavilion has been refurbished thanks to several grants.

Work at the pavilion in Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, which is used by the football and cricket clubs in the area, cost £130,000.

This was made possible thanks to a £7,000 donation from Gatwick Airport Community Trust and a Football Foundation grant.

Donations towards the project were also received from village community stakeholders and crowdfunding efforts by Ardingly Cricket Club.

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David Port, vice chairman at Ardingly Parish Council, said: “Thanks to grants from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust, the dilapidated pavilion has been transformed into an efficient and welcoming building.  

“It comprises a light and spacious community room, two main dressing rooms, an upstairs small changing room for officials and visitors, kitchen and an attractive veranda. 

“Visitors and participants at the recent 'Cricket Week' and village school sports day and fete gave many plaudits with the consequence that other village organisations are now looking to enjoy the facilities.” 

Electrical services were designed to limit power consumption with LED lighting and ceiling mounted radiant heating.

David said: “Later this year it is planned to use available developer contributions or S106 money, to improve adjacent parking and in the future we will build a patio that will further improve the experience of using the pavilion.” 

The parish council was just one of more than 100 charities and organisations across East and West Sussex, Surrey and Kent to receive a share of £250,000 from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust annual funding scheme.  

It aims to support a range of initiatives which benefit the lives of people in the area. These grants prioritise projects that help nurture youth development, improve sports facilities, foster environmental improvements, enhance community infrastructure, and offer aid to the elderly and disabled.

Applications for the Gatwick Airport Community Trust will reopen again on November 1 and close on March 31 next year.