THEY are making a stand at Tavistock Association Football Club and its something that will certainly make people sit up and take notice.

The club last Thursday took delivery of and installed 162 seats — a move that is part of an ongoing transformation of the Langsford Park ground where the first team plays in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula Premier League.

Mark Truman, club committee member, webmaster and photographer, was on hand to record with his camera while the two sections of seat were lifted off the lorry having arrived from Arena Seating Company in Berkshire.

The work has been funded through the £1.8-million Crowndale development for community sporting facilities, which includes all-weather football pitches at nearby Tavistock College.

It is all part of the ground's transformation with the road to the club's entrance to the Red and Black Club and street lighting almost complete. An eight foot perimeter fence will soon be erected, along with new changing rooms by builders Dawnus Construction.

Club chairman Derek Pethick said: 'The stand will replace the old one we had to demolish as part of the work to replace the old dressing rooms.

'This represents a tremendous improvement for the football club. We now have a brand new stand compared to the one that was, to say the least, ancient. The place is quite becoming a very attractive ground to watch and play.'

The plastic seats are decked out in the distinctive red and black colours and supporters will be able to watch the game in sheltered comfort once a roof has been erected. The seats were due to be ready for last night's first league home game of the season against St Blazey.

Mark added: 'Not so long ago here it was just a pitch in a middle of a field but when everything is installed I think Tavistock AFC will have the best ground in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League. I just can't wait for it all to finish.

'It will give everyone here quite a sense of achievement from going from such small beginnings to where we are now.

'People such as Derek Pethick and Sheila Fenner have put in a tremendous effort to make this happen. Allen Lewis has done a brilliant job with all the advertising boards, which all adds to the atmosphere.'

Mark praised all the volunteers at the club who had contributed so much to make it such an exciting time at Langsford Park.

'I know that all these improvements will give a lift to the spirits of the players and I think the Lambs could be serious challengers for the title this season.'

Allen Lewis, the club's marketing officer, was also delighted with the transformation and positive outlook for the future.

He said: 'The Langsford Park Ground is looking absolutely "spot on'.

'There is a buzz among the supporters and helpers and the players, that we are improving for the better.

'We all need to get behind the players and managers to show our loyal support to this smashing little club.'