A FUNDRAISER set up with the aim of purchasing a new clubhouse roof at a popular sports club has already hit the £1,000 mark.

The fundraiser for Barrow Cricket Club had raised more than £1,300 as of yesterday evening.

The club secured match funding from Sport England for its ‘Raise the Roof’ crowdfunding project, which would see the ageing pavilion roof replaced and the building preserved for years to come.

The club, based at Ernest Pass Memorial Ground in Abbey Road, launched the appeal yesterday - and has a target of £15,000 which will trigger a further £4,500 in funding from Sport England.

Ray Mowat, who is one of the team leading the bid from the club, said Barrow Cricket Club had a historic place in the landscape of the town and urged the community to back the bid.

He said: “We have recently refurbished the inside of the club, which hosts everything from matchday hospitality to wedding receptions, christenings and parties. It really is the centre of so many social functions.

“However there have been a few leaks in the roof and we now need to ensure the building is protected for years to come. We are delighted that Sport England are supporting us in this massive effort and we hope that cricketers, sports fans and the wider community will back us.”