RUGBY bosses in Moore have received a boost after receiving a £27,000 grant to fund new floodlights at the village club.

Officials at Moore Rugby Union Football Club have scooped the cash award and are calling for the club to become a community facility.

But they must convince planning chiefs at Halton Borough Council, who rejected an initial application for new floodlights due to concerns about light pollution to greenbelt land.

Club officials, however, are confident that council bosses will have a change of heart after arguing they will have less 'light spill' and provide better pitch coverage.

The Rugby Football Union has handed Moore £27,000 with the club expected to finance the remaining £2,600 themselves.

Terry Burwell, from the RFU, said: "We are delighted to make this award. The club is key to the local and regional development of rugby union.

"We are committed to making sure that the club continues to provide increased opportunities for all who wish to participate in rugby."

A childcare link club use the premises on weekdays. The club also wants to encourage other sports, like football and indoor and outdoor bowling.

Representative rugby at Moore is another goal, with the club hosting a Cheshire RFU under-19 game earlier this season. The club is expanding the first team pitch by acquiring a small piece of adjacent land.

Jim Stockton, club spokesman, said: "We try to run three teams but it's becoming increasingly difficult due to a lack of interest in sport.

"However, we have recently recruited some young players to fill gaps from those retiring."

It has been a disappointing campaign on the pitch this year with Moore's relegation to South/Lancs Cheshire League 3 a near certainty.

The club is still looking for players and will train through the close season. Anyone interested should turn up on a Thursday evening at 7pm, at Moss Lane.

Alternatively, call the club on 740473 and ask for a committee member.