Residents are being asked to put on their running shoes to raise money for improvement works at a sports ground.

Up to £5,000 is still needed for work at the pavilion on the Courtauld Sports Ground, in Colchester Road.

The pavilion is used by a number of clubs, including the rugby team, rounders club and running club.

The Halstead Templars Rugby Club is spearheading the project after receiving a £12,000 grant from Braintree Council’s Mi Community funding scheme.

This will pay for an extension to the pavilion for larger changing facilities.

Planning permission was granted in June.

Work will start next week with the groundworks being sorted, before the timber framing arriving on August 29 for the extension to be built.

Members of the rugby club will be undertaking the work themselves as many of them are carpenters or work in similar trades.

Social secretary Aeron Stubbs, who had the idea of the extension, said: “The grant from Mi Community will cover the cost of the shell, but between £3,000 and £5,000 is still needed for the new showers and to get it fitted out properly.

“It will be a phased project, starting with the new changing rooms.

“The hall won’t be affected so other groups will be able to meet as normal.

“When finished, it is going to bring great benefits to all the clubs and the community.”

A fun day is being held at the pavilion on September 6 to raise money.

There are a number of classes including a pre-schoolers run, a family relay, a wheel-barrow run, the slowest bike race and a tug of war.

Everyone must sign up before their event, either on the day or by filling in the form available from the library or town council offices.

Completed forms should be returned to Halstead Town Council, Mill House, The Causeway, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1ET.