RAMSBOTTOM Anglers have finally received the keys to their new base on Clarence Park Lido.

The group received a grant from Sport England for over £60,000 in 2014.

Bury Council also contributed towards the project at the park off Walmersley Road, Bury.

After four years of planning and building the new base and classroom has finally been opened.

Chairman Allan Dye said: "It has very much been the result of the vision of committee members Neil Wright and Allan Warrington and finally after years of planning and disappointment it has opened.

"It is a notable achievement for a relatively small sporting club."

The new facility has a clubhouse, classroom and toilet and will support the club's successful junior coaching programme which has already seen brothers Ben and Jake Pope achieve regional and national success.

It will also provide a training and coaching facility for senior anglers and those with disabilities.

The club is hoping to be able to continue to develop relationships with the people in Bury who are interested in angling and the environment.

To enable them to keep expanding the club and service they provide to the community they have been applying for grants.

Recently a grant was awarded to the club through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Grant Scheme.

It will help to support the development of the Junior Angling Programme which takes place every Monday from 5.30pm until 8pm.

The scheme was introduced by Tony Lloyd, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester, to support organisations in developing projects that will help build community resilience and improve their volunteering networks.

Member David Marshall also recently donated £270 after a series of matches which he took part in throughout England.

The money will be used towards grass roots angling.

For more information visit the Ramsbottom Angling Association Facebook page.