Wellington AFC have embarked on a programme of improvements to their facilities at the playing field, starting with replacing the floodlights.

The club have applied for planning permission to erect four corner-mounted pylons to replace the current eight lights, which have been in place for over 20 years.

The new LED floodlights will be more energy efficient and will avoid the club having to remove four of the existing pylons every summer to allow cricket to be played.

Club officials are hoping to obtain grant funding from the Football Foundation towards the overall cost of the project.

Chairman Mike Hall said: "When our move to a new ground at Longforth Farm had to be abandoned because of rising costs, we decided, instead, to develop our existing facilities.

"During the summer, we have undertaken improvements in the clubhouse and changing rooms – the lights are the next phase.

“If planning permission is granted, we hope to be able to erect and start using them this season.

“More improvements are in the pipeline over the coming 12 months so watch this space.”