A YOUTH football team hit by fraud earlier this year will receive a brand new clubhouse thanks to community campaign led by Reading FC.

Laurel Park FC lost £28,000 in April after the club's former treasurer was duped into handing over funds intended for refurbishments.

The renovation project will see DIY store Wickes provide all of the materials free of charge, while members from Volunteer it Yourself will provide the labour.

Mike Bradshaw, Laurel Park's interim chairman, said: "When we lost the money we were a bit devastated, but we have been able to turn it into a positive thanks to the help of the community.

"We have had talks with Reading Football Club for a couple of months and we are delighted to be able to confirm that the project is now going ahead.

"We are looking for as many volunteers to come down on the day as possible, even if it is just for a couple of hours.

"This club has been knocked down but it has fought back with a vengeance. We had lots of people offering us money but we did not want to take it.

Packed crowds attend the community open day at Marefield earlier this month and the overwhelming support means Laurel Park is likely to invest thousands of pounds into expanding and improving the club.

Reading Chronicle:

The refurbishment project is scheduled for August 8-11 and all those who take part will receive an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds in painting and decorating.

Mr Bradshaw added: "We are hoping to have a number of first-team players from Reading to come down across the three days.

"The fun day was more successful than we could have imagined, but a lot of the financial success came down to the generosity of the community.

"The Woodley and Earley Lions Club provided a lot of free materials and it is because of people like them that we have been able to put a hugely positive spin on a terrible situation."

Contact Joe McGinn on 07584 083 807 or joe@teamviy.com if you would like to offer your services.