WEST Craven Warriors Rugby League Club have entered a successful new phase after being granted planning permission for a new ground.

Club leaders say they have defied the critics who said there was no interest or support for rugby league in the area.

Three-and-half years since the team began, they are now able to bid for National Lottery cash to help fund £100,000 plans for a new pitch, pavilion, training area and floodlights on land in Cemetery Road, Earby.

The Warriors have been using the playing fields at West Craven High School, Barnoldswick, but the new pitch will give them greater independence.

Club founder Steve Simpson said all the members were delighted with the council's decision.

He told the Citizen: "We've been waiting for this news for months and now we're very excited. We're going from strength to strength.

"We have achieved as lot in 3 years. There has been an explosion of interest in rugby league in West Craven since we set up. We now have about 80 playing members, and that figure is set to rise this year.

"Next season we hope to enter teams in the West Riding Youth League.

"Anybody who is interested in joining can phone me on 0973 550950."

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