Claygate’s new community clubhouse project has been given £20,000.

It is the largest grant ever awarded by Claygate Parish Council, which agreed to support the building project some months ago.

The clubhouse project has been working for almost two years to raise £330,000 to replace the existing building, which is more than 60 years old and construction is now under way.

Council chairman Shirley Round said: “The parish council is delighted to be able to contribute financially to the building of the new pavilion, adding another great facility for the benefit of the whole community and the biggest public-use building built in the village for a long time.”

It was hoped the building would attract a wide range of community groups in addition to the main users - Claygate Cricket Club and Claygate Royals Football Club.

Fundraising co-ordinator Nigel Abbott said that because £60,000 of the total raised was in the form of loans, much fundraising was still needed for it to be a debt free project.

He appealed for help with plumbing, plastering and woodwork.

He also said sponsorship opportunities were still available for residents who wanted to sponsor, rooms or bricks.