A SHODDY sports centre is to be refurbished after receiving a £27,000 cash boost.

The pavilion at the Glebe recreation ground has won a big-money grant from Sport England's Inspired Facilities scheme.

It will help pay for a volunteer-led project to upgrade the heating system, changing facilities and to decorate inside.

The new project will see community volunteers spare a collective 1000-hours of their own time to turn the fortunes of the pavilion around.

The grant was presented to the application team, and Mersea Island Sports Association's Richard Russell-Grant, in Ipswich on Tuesday.

In addition to the grant, West Mersea Town Council is also investing £13,000 in much needed external work on the pavilion, which will bring the whole building up to date.

Anyone wishing to help out with the refurbishment should contact West Mersea Town Council on westmerseatc@aol.com or 01206 382128.

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