YWCA Bury have been awarded a £500 grant from Skipton Building Society’s Grassroots Giving initiative.

The netball club were one of more 370 sporting organisations from across the country shortlisted for the prize.

And they earned enough support in an online vote to win one of 163 awards.

A spokesman for Skipton Building Society said: "We had more than 38,000 votes cast among the shortlisted groups and competition was really tough.

"So huge congratulations to YWCA Bury, who really are a worthy winner."

The club plans to use the grant to cover their costs of hiring out playing facilities at Bury Grammar School, allowing them to keep subs low and boost membership.

“The club is run by a small committee of volunteers, who give up their time to organise training, matches, social events and marketing," said committee member and player Clare Morley.

“We recognise cost can be a barrier to participation in physical activity.

“As all our facility costs are currently covered by subs from users, the £500 grant will ensure we do not need to increase costs to users over the next few years, meaning equality of access for all members of the local community is maintained.

“The club is all about bringing women together from across the local area to have fun, keep active and make some great memories through the common thread of netball.

“As a completely voluntary organisation, we work hard to achieve this on very little resources, so this support from Skipton Building Society is a real boost for the volunteers, as well as a huge help for the club’s participants.”

YWCA Bury celebrated with a 55-40 win at home to Tameside in the North West Senior League Premier Division.

They ended a dream first quarter 20-9 in front following a brilliant shooting display from Imogen Turner and Millie Roscoe.

Bury also benefited from plenty of key turnovers in the defensive circle by Elia McCormick and Sarah Ramwell, along with a fantastic centre court display from Dani Bloomfield, Jennie Cross and Olivia Bailey.

They never looked back, stretching their lead to 35-18 by half time before being pegged back in the final quarter, when the result was already beyond doubt.

Defender Tyrene Karim took the player of the match from the home side, while the opposition gave it to McCormick.

Their second victory of the season moved Bury up to sixth in the table, with their next match a trip to third-placed Newman a week on Saturday.