Plans have been tabled to upgrade playing facilities at a north Cumbrian sports club.

A new 3G artificial grass pitch is being proposed to replace the existing grassed pitch at Penrith Rugby Club's Winters Park ground.

Plans also include a variety of new training areas for players.

There would be new perimeter and gated entrances on the site too as well as improved pedestrian access.

Flood lighting also forms part of the planning application submitted to Eden Council by the Rugby Football Union at Twickenham.

Junior and senior teams at the Penrith club would benefit from the upgraded facilities as well as school and other community groups, documents submitted to the council state.

A design and access report which forms part of the planning application states: "The provision of a new Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) will enhance the quality of playing pitches at the rugby club, providing increased usage in comparison to the existing grassed rugby union pitch, for benefit of the Rugby Football Union, Penrith RUFC and its partner organisations and community groups including local junior and youth rugby clubs."

It will also allow the club to "gain the maximum rugby developmental outcomes" it can.

The introduction of a 3G pitch also allow the area to be used more than the usual grassed pitch, especially during the winter months.

"The proposed AGP also avoids close season maintenance works," the report adds.