RAMSBOTTOM Angling Association will officially open its new classroom this weekend.

The group has been able to build a new facility on the Clarence Park Lido thanks to £61,347 funding from National Lottery.

They are among 148 local sports projects to secure a share of £9m of funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

Club Chairman, Allan Dye, commented: “The official opening highlights the hard work that has been done very specifically by Neil Wright, Allan Warrington and the late Stewart Metcalf culminating in their dream project being concluded.

“Now we need to work with the community to provide a programme of activity for all potential anglers, current members and those interested in the environment. It is good to see a minority sport being recognised.”

Since 2011, Inspired Facilities has been helping breathe new life into tired community sports facilities and converting existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport.

The new classroom has already welcomed 200 visitors since it opened its doors for the first time in June.

Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: “The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country. “Since 2011, we’ve invested £102m into more than 1,920 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs.

“It’s great to see Ramsbottom Angling Association join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.”

Mayor of Bury Cllr Mike Connolly will officially open the building on Saturday.

MP David Nuttall will also attend to present a life membership award to one member.

The building will officially be named the Stewart Metcalf Angling Academy in memory of Stewart Metcalf who was chairman of the association and enthusiastic supporter of the clubs junior coaching programme.

Mr Metcalf’s wife Christine will officially name the facility.

Many more community groups could benefit from the fund with the latest round of the Inspired Facilities now open.

Community and voluntary organisations, councils and schools can bid for a share of £5m to help upgrade facilities.

The fund is now an open programme which means projects can submit applications as soon as they are ready rather than being restricted by a specific deadline.

To find out more and bid, visit www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities