A FUNDRAISING drive was launched at the weekend to build a new home for Teddington cricket and rugby clubs.

The current clubhouse has been used by both groups for 38 years, but members feel the wear and tear is starting to show.

The campaign to raise £150,000 was officially launched on Sunday, and the fundraising team will now spend the coming months organising events and activities so the work can be completed.

Its chairman, Gareth Cross, said: "Our much-loved clubhouse surely has some stories to tell. However, with a growing membership and continuing successes on the field, it is time for both our clubs to look at providing a more suitable building, one we can be proud of and that can adapt and grow with us as we go forward.

"We have managed to secure some funding for our new home but we still have a huge mountain to climb. To help achieve this the club is planning various fundraising events, including

the 'buy a brick' scheme, so people can have their contribution in stone, so to speak."

The clubhouse was built in 1972 after its predecessor was destroyed by fire. Members hope the community will give generously because thousands of children and adults have used the building over the years.

Mr Cross, said: "Between them, for the last hundred or so years both clubs have provided a place for local children and adults alike to come and spend time playing the games they all love. In the words of one famous sports commentator, 'Rugby may have many problems, but the gravest is undoubtedly that of the persistence of summer'.

"For us, of course, during the summer we have cricket to play here, so the clubs are actually perfect partners in our home.

"And if we can get this money raised and our new clubhouse built, we can perhaps spend some of the next 100 years showing this to a whole new generation."

A website to accompany the campaign has also been set up, at www.teddingtonrfc.co.uk/fundraising.