FUNDRAISING efforts by a Tavistock club could be boosted, following an agreement to extend the lease at its premises.

Tavistock Rifle Club, one of the town's longest established organisations, rents a small area of land from the town council.

Secretary Jeremy Gist last month approached the council, with a view to extending the club's lease at its Pixon Lane base.

Mr Gist said membership at the club was growing steadily and it also helped coach other youth organisations within the town.

Mr Gist said: 'Over the past year we have been refurbishing the facilities with both modern kitchen and toilets having been completed.

'Currently we are fundraising and seeking grants to re-roof the building, but we are finding concern over the length of our current lease.

'We would be most grateful if the council would consider extending our lease to a 25-year-term, which would enable us to demonstrate the the community to both new and existing members and to possible grant funding organisations that our club has a long term future in our home town.'

The town council's properties committee last week discussed the rifle club's request.

Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'I would strongly support this.

'They have been there for a very long time, it's a first class organisation, they are very good, responsible people. I would move we grant this as requested.

Councillors believed the club was a good community asset and agreed the lease should be extended — the decision was due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting on Tuesday night.