Dolgellau Athletic Football Club is celebrating after being given a grant of £15,000.

The grant, awarded by Sport Wales as part of a nationwide scheme, makes up half of the amount needed by the club to improve its stadium.

Committee member Stephen Parry said: “We are very lucky in Dolgellau where we have the Marian fields consisting of a cricket and rugby and football pitches, all maintained by hard working and voluntary club members.

“However, we have experienced vandalism, dog faeces, broken glass, arson, damage and graffiti, which has disheartened many in the town and raised concerns for health and safety.

“We are thankful to our committee for not giving in, especially when grants weren’t forthcoming and immensely grateful to Sport Wales for recognising our need for fencing and rewarding our passion and belief that this facility will develop football and wellbeing in Dolgellau.”

The mayor of Dolgellau, Delwyn Evans, said: “We must congratulate the club. If you want to build a good team you need good amenities. In this situation the club needs money to move on, hopefully this money can do that. Providing better amenities will keep local players at the team.”

The pitch at Marian fields will be fenced off whilst 100 seats are installed.