Plans to create a major centre for sport have been backed with a 100,000 grant.

South Oxfordshire District Council has agreed to give the cash towards the 250,000 project to develop Watlington Memorial Club after a plea by president Prof James Simmie.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's community trust fund committee, he said: "Watlington is in dire need of a good central hall and this will be used for sports and meetings. This grant is the key to the whole project without it, nothing will happen." He said the club, based in High Street, is seeking lottery money and has 25,000 in the bank.

Planning approval to extend the club has already been granted. When built, it will be able to offer several activities, including badminton, tennis, squash and bowls.