ORGANISERS of a bi-annual craft fair have reported raising a record amount of money to support a vital community sports club.

Twice a year Hawcoat Park Sports & Social Club hosts an arts and craft fair to showcase some of the best homemade trinkets, teddies and tea-towels produced by local artisans.

The craft fair, organised by the club's ladies committee, is just one of the fundraising events held at the club in a bid to secure its future.

As a not-for-profit organisation Hawcoat Park depends on the support of the public in order to pay utilities bills, run the bar and maintain the well-used site.

Ladies committee member Pam Charnley, who manned the doors to welcome visitors to the craft fair on Sunday, said she was delighted with the turnout.

"I've just finished counting up and looks like we have made about £1,000 which we are delighted with," she said.

"We'd like to thank all the people who came and helped and of course all the people who came and supported us on the day."

The Hawcoat Lane has 15 acres of playing fields and caters for a sports including football, archery, bowls, cricket, table tennis and rugby union.

Thousands of people every year head to the club for its Bonfire Night fireworks display and its fields host the finish line for the Keswick to Barrow and Coniston to Barrow events.

"Hawcoat Park Sports and Social club is a not for profit organisation and we have to run numerous functions in order to keep our heads above water," Mrs Charnley added.

"We have many local people who rely on us for their sports and social events."

The club's next fundraiser will take place on Saturday May 18 when local band Full Benefit and the Fawcett Sisters will take to the stage to raise cash for Hawcoat Park.

Tickets cost £7.50 each and are available from the club or the band.

Then on Friday July 5 the club will host an evening with football legend Bryan Robson. Tickets cost £40 with catering provided by Hartley's.