TAVISTOCK Athletic Club is celebrating following the award of a £700 sports grant from West Devon Borough Council.
Clubs and organisations have had the chance to bid for up to £700 from this year's Sports Grant Fund, which supports projects that improve sport, recreation and community facilities across the borough.
The funding will enable Tavistock Athletic Club to train up 14 volunteers to be level 1 and 2 coaches in track and field disciplines. This is to further the growth of the club and support new members joining, as there is currently a waiting list on the junior section.
With the development of a 400 metre running track at Tavistock College, the club is also keen to build up the infrastructure in readiness for the projected rise in members when the new track opens.
The club sees this as part of its expanding commitment to local athletics and is confident that the new funding will bring in sponsorship to help the club's future aspirations.
Hannah Colston, sports development officer, said: 'West Devon Borough Council is pleased to be able to help the club as they offer great support and opportunities for all who run with them, from beginners to elite runners.
'With the current waiting list for juniors I am hopeful the development of qualified coaches will cater for the increased demand.
'The club will be able to attract even more people to running, and with the use of one of the area's top athletics venues just around the corner, it is a very exciting time for sport.'
Hannah said the projects that had received grants were doing 'fantastic work' in the community.
Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of West Devon's environment and community committee, said: 'Over the year the sports grant fund alone has enabled us to help a total of 14 local projects, with over £6,400 in grants.'