ECKINGTON residents turned out in force last week to give their full support to a scheme that will see the village's recreation centre get a much-needed revamp.

Around 40 villagers packed the meeting to discuss the future of the centre, which is used mainly by Eckington under 5s playgroup but which is also home to the village's football and cricket teams.

The recreation centre committee headed the meeting, briefing villagers on the detail and timescale for the plans.

Villagers at Monday's meeting, who are fundning the project themselves, were also encouraged to have their say. It was emphasised that although it would be hard work raising the cash, the community should not give up on what is an important village amenity.

Sarah Fincher, chair of the recreation centre committee, said: "The committee will now go away with some interesting ideas for what we will do with the centre.

"What we want to do is re-build the centre completely with a new sports and recreation centre with a new log cabin-style look to it, a play-ground and a hard-court play area for the older children. The refurbishment inside will make it a much nicer place for the children to learn in and the teams to change in.

"It is vital work as the current building is 30 years old and falling down around us, and with problems involving vandalism it is time we got something going.

"Funding has been the main problem as it seems the London Olympics has taken up a lot of the sporting money in this country, so we are relying on the kindness of donations from village residents."