Sports groups based at Wigton Rugby Club are ready to welcome back the community now that coronavirus restrictions have been eased - and re-establish the site at the heart of the town.

More than a year on since the first lockdown, club leaders are excited to be back open and are encouraging people to check out the sporting and social opportunities at the Lowmoor Road site.

This week sees the reopening of the club bar for the first time in 13 months.

From today and tomorrow, Saturday the bar will be serving people on the outdoor patio area with table service, offering people a safe place to catch up with friends and family on a weekend. Anyone interested in booking a table should contact the Wigton Rugby Club Facebook page.

Last year, long-serving bar steward Howard Larkin retired after completing more than 30 years’ service and volunteers from all the affiliated clubs on site have been working hard to prepare for the reopening.

David Warwick, from Wigton Rugby Club, said: “The variety of sports on offer at Lowmoor Road will ensure a route back to fitness for everyone following the very difficult few months under lockdown. We look forward to seeing people coming back down to the club.”