A new plaque has been unveiled to mark the start of work at a popular rugby club.

Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite (Con) and deputy leader Cllr Chris Shippam (Con) attended the event.

The project will see a new 880 sq m clubhouse, social centre and two pitches created for Dartford Valley Rugby Club at Stone Lodge.

One of the pitches will be 3G - meaning it’s made of an artificial surface - with floodlights while the second is a grass pitch.

The changes are happening due to growing number of teams at the club.

Cllr Kite said: “I’m delighted to see work begin on our latest investment in community facilities.

“This will not only be a fantastic new home for the rugby club but also a brilliant new hospitality and social space for the Stone community.

“Like rugby clubs everywhere, Dartford Valley Rugby Club is a welcoming and friendly community and they will make a big difference to Stone.

“We’ve seen our previous investments in places like Fairfield, Princes Park and Dartford Cricket Club make a real positive impact, especially with young kids getting more involved in leisure and sporting activities.

“But these kind of facilities really benefit the whole community, when people and local organisations adopt them as venues for celebrations, parties and meetings, and that’s when they truly become of value for everybody. Rugby has the potential to involve and engage huge numbers of families and I’m very proud to be bringing that to the heart of the Stone community.”

Dartford Valley Rugby Club chairman Peter Timon said: “The progress is fantastic.

“Dartford council is clearly committed to providing top quality family-friendly facilities for the town and supporting our growth as a local club means we can do so much more to help this community.

“The new clubhouse will not only help us but will provide the people of Stone with a new centre for community life and activities.

“We are determined to repay the faith that Jeremy and the council have shown in us. At the very start of this project, Jeremy outlined a project that would welcome everyone and make a real difference to the local community. We know we can do that. Our club membership is a true reflection of the town and the core rugby values of respect, discipline, teamwork and fun. We can’t wait for our opening in the summer.”

n To find out more about the club, visit www.dvrfc.co.uk.