LYME Regis Football Club celebrated the official completion of its seven-year-long Project Fortify programme of social and playing improvements.

The project has seen the club develop its facilities into some of the best offered by a grassroots football club in Dorset.

The Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr David Sarson, unveiled a plaque outside the clubhouse to mark the completion of the project and the town council’s generous £100,000 investment in Project Fortify.

On top of this grant, Lyme Regis Football Club raised in excess of £36,000 in match-funding, through a series of successful events, including the annual Sausage & Cider Festival, and by opening its car park to the public.

The football club first started work on Project Fortify in 2016 and, after receiving the backing of the town council, it was hoped the development programme would be completed within four years, but Covid-19 set back plans.

The project has included the construction of a kitchen extension to the clubhouse, the installation of a 64-seat grandstand, resurfacing and perimeter fencing around the car park, a new groundsman’s hut and a programme of pitch improvements to aid drainage.

Celebrations were held before a recent game to finally mark the completion of the project, with around 40 guests attending a drinks reception followed by a plaque unveiling.

The councillors and council staff were taken on tours of the facilities and some stayed to watch the Reserves’ first win of the season against Hemyock.

They were joined by club committee members, life-members, long-standing supporters and volunteers.

In welcoming the guests, club president Philip Evans MBE, described the event as a “really special day for Lyme Regis Football Club”.

Cllr Sarson said: "It was a privilege to unveil the plaque and congratulated the football club - described as “one of the oldest and most respected organisations in the town.”

Lyme Regis Football Club extended its "sincere thanks" to Lyme Regis Town Council, as well as all those who volunteered, raised funds or contributed towards the completion of Project Fortify.