BRIDPORT RFC chairman Mark Perkin has spoken of his club’s delight at achieving the RFU’s Club Accreditation award.

Dorset & Wilts president John Palmer handed over the accreditation plaque to junior chairman Julian Hussey in the presence of proud club members.

The RFU, in conjunction with Sport England, has introduced the accreditation scheme to help rugby clubs across the country become more enjoyable places to play the game.

Clubs are assessed by the RFU and must demonstrate evidence of good practice in areas such as club management, player development and recruitment, child protection, sports equality, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

Accreditation earns advantages like Sport England’s Clubmark and is an indicator of how clubs are developing and thinking ahead.

Volunteers at Bridport have worked hard with their rugby development officer, Chris Burton, to move the club forward in a number of areas and stalwart secretary John Patten has made presentations and attended numerous meetings in a bid to secure the award.

Blues’ chairman Perkin was thrilled to receive the award, saying: “The whole club is delighted that Bridport has received this award as acknowledgment of the work done by the club both on and off the pitch in promoting local rugby within our community.”

On the pitch, the firsts are away to Blandford this Saturday in Dorset & Wilts One South while the seconds make the trip to Ellingham & Ringwood Thirds in Dorset & Wilts Four (both 2.30pm).