A JUNIOR rugby league club revived just two years ago - before the coronavirus pandemic - staged a successful fun day at Barnoldswick's Victory Park.

West Craven Warriors - a grass roots rugby club for two to 12 year olds - had to close down just after it started because of coronavirus restrictions.

But, the club and its members are now back up and running with the first of what is hoped to be an annual fundraising event in Victory Park, where is is based.

The fun day - aimed at raising awareness and giving children and their parents an idea of what was on offer - included rugby taster sessions, a barbecue, raffle, a tug 'o war competition, bouncy castle and bake sales.

It had a lot of support from businesses in the area, and the use of the park and facilities was given by Barnoldswick Town Council.

A spokesperson said: "The club would like to thank everyone for making the fun day a joyful and memorable day for all. It was thoroughly enjoyed by both adults and kids alike.

"Hopefully now an annual event, we managed to raise much needed funds-vital to help keep the club running and training free.

"A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped throughout the day setting up and running stalls, running the kitchen and being part of our community club- we couldn’t do it without you."

The club, entirely run by volunteers believes it is the only community grass roots sports club in the area that offers the sessions for free.

It is run on the premise that everything is free, no subs, membership or cost of attending training or playing matches. It currently has three teams competing in leagues in the area.

Next year, it is hoping to increase the age range, if it can raise the demand for rugby league, in an area dominated by football.

The spokesperson added it was good to see people come back after the lock-downs.

"These were uncertain times for us and the future looked bleak. However, following the relaxation of lockdown, we were met with an influx of children eager to burn of their lockdown energy. It turned out what we thought were bleak times, turned out to be good times."

Mini training, two to five year olds, is on Saturdays from 9am to 9.45am; U7s and U8s on Wednesdays, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm; and U10s, on Wednesdays, from 6pm to 7pm.

Parents of children from just two years old to 12 who would like to give rugby a go can contact West Craven Warriors on 07950997843 or visit its facebook page @westcravenwarriorsARLFC for further details.