Hove Rugby Club launched itself into a new era when its new ground and pavilion were opened.

Club president Richard Lewis was joined by Brighton and Hove Mayor David Watkins and Hove MP Ivor Caplin for the opening ceremony.

It was the culmination of ten years' work by the club, which raised £200,000.

It is a far cry from Hove Park, where the club had struggled with inadequate facilities since 1976.

Assistant club secretary Andy Ward said it had been crucial for the club, which fields junior and youth teams, a female team and six senior teams, to find a new ground.

The project cost £750,000 and the club was helped by Brighton and Hove City Council.

As well as the £200,000 raised by the club, another £500,000 was provided by Sport England and £50,000 from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.