After a major two-year fundraising campaign, the club has just £12,000 left to find to secure the funding for developments which members say will make it the best in the region.

The grant comes from Sport England through the Community Club Development programme, which will allow the club to create state-of-the-art facilities.

To secure this funding, the St Neots TTC has the task of raising an additional £60,000, making a total spend of £410,000.

The club has raised £48,000 so far, leaving a shortfall of £12,000.

Club development officer Lesley Rate said the improved facilities would ensure the members had a club to match any in the region.

She said added: "£60,000 is a lot of money for a small club to raise, but we are getting there. It has been a long process and two years of hard work. There is still plenty of fundraising to do yet."

New facilities will include disabled access, changing rooms, servery and viewing gallery.

Mrs Rate said: "We are hoping that everything will be up and running by March next year.

"This week the committee will be meeting to tick the boxes and very soon the plans will be submitted to the district council."

St Neots Town Council has agreed to allow the club to purchase the council-owned land where the club is sited for £37,500.

The club cannot use the lottery cash to buy the land, so will be taking out a 15-year mortgage.

St Neots town clerk Philip Devonald said: "Everything is agreed and we are all ready to go. We are just waiting for lawyers to finalise details about the sale of the land."

Founded more than 30 years ago, the club is based next to St Neots Rugby Club on The Common and has a membership of approximately 80 adults and 30 juniors.

>> To help club raise the extra funds contact Lesley Rate on 0796 375 8932 or email steverate@yahoo.co.uk