DUNNINGTON Playing Fields Association has been awarded £7,300 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Community Emergency Fund.

The grant will go towards paying essential bills, supporting the many sports that are played on the site and to ensure the facilities are ready when sport re-commences.

A statement by Sport England said: "The outbreak of the coronavirus and the consequent shutdown of businesses has left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of uncertainty.

"In response, on March 31, Sport England announced a £195m package to help the sport and physical activity sector through Covid-19.

"Within the package is a £20m Community Emergency Fund of National Lottery money to deliver immediate funding to those who have a role in supporting the nation to be active but are experiencing short-term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the impact of coronavirus.

"The grant allows Dunnington Playing Fields Association to cover lost income and pay services that have to continue.

"We are proud to be able to provide vital fund to Dunnington Playing Fields Association to help it through these extremely challenging times."

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, said he hopes other similar organisation can overcome the pandemic and be successful again afterwards.

He said: "As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happen in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future."