BATH rugby star Chris Malone joined over 100 children for Bradford on Avon Rugby Club's youth awards day at their new clubhouse on Sunday.

The Bath fly-half presented prizes to players of the year as part of the annual event, which saw all under 12 players receive a medal. The day began with an obstacle course for the youngsters to let off steam before they moved on to lunch and the prizegiving.

The club has 160 boys and girls in its youth section, which has teams spanning the under 7 to under 16 age groups.

This year's most successful side were the under 11s, who won two festivals in Warminster and Melksham. Now they have moved from playing at St Laurence School to their new ground in Ashley Lane, Winsley, the club is looking to expand.

The clubhouse is due to be finished in time for the start of the new season in September.

The club's youth chairman Laurie Wilson said: "Before the move we had nothing really. But we got around £260,000 from the lottery for the clubhouse and we had to find the other half from other sources like local councils.

"Next season we are hoping to improve our numbers. Now we've got a base we can start recruiting players from local schools.

"At the end of the day this is for the kids of the community, to keep them off the streets. We are also hoping to get a ladies rugby team up and running."

Mr Wilson said the lack of changing facilities had put people off joining the club in the past but he is hopeful that will now change.

Over the summer the club will be organising some tag rugby sessions.

Any teams wishing to join these and anyone interested in joining the club's youth or adult sections should call Mr Wilson on (01225) 866829.