SLING United Youth Football team has netted a grant for almost £2,000 to carry out emergency repairs to its groundsman’s tractor.

The tractor is used to help keep the team’s Bandstand Pitch, near Coleford, in good order.

Chairman of West Dean Parish Council’s finance and staffing committee, Cllr Bill Gayler presented the cheque for £1,681.16 to team captain, Stephen Watts after the team played Lydney Town Youth (result 2-7 to Lydney).

“Without the tractor to keep the grass mowed it would soon be too

difficult to play,” said Ashley Thomas, team manager/coach. “We still have some way to go to the end of the season and the pitch is booked for one team or another from the Sling United Clubs nearly every weekend till then.

“We’re extremely grateful to West Dean Parish Council for coming through with this grant application at very short notice.”