A RUGBY club based in Alvechurch is to expand thanks to several thousand pounds of grants.

Kings Norton RFC is to purchase 6.3 acres of land adjacent to its Ash Lane ground in Hopwood, where it has been based for almost half a century, having moved there in 1973.

The club - which says its current grounds are 'overstretched' - says it has already raised almost half of the money needed towards the £80,000 purchase.

Some of that has come via a £5,000 grant from Bromsgrove District Council's New Homes Bonus Community Grants Scheme, supported by local councillor Charles Hotham.

A bid to raise a further £5,000 through the AVIVA-backed Crowd Funding programme has also been accepted.

More details on the club's 'Field of Dreams' project, including the chance to donate, can be found at www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/the-field-of-dreams

Chairman Roger Adams explained the need for the expansion at the club, which is nearing its centenary year, having been founded in 1923.

He said: "Due to the growth of the club's Rhinos juniors section and its three sporting tenants - an American Football club, a rugby league club and a group of hurlers - along with regular use by local schools and festivals, its grounds have become overstretched.

"This additional casual space for the youngsters and seniors for basic training and occasional community sporting events will serve to relieve this damage."