THE pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has kick-started proposals to build a new Sandwich Town FC headquarters.

Representatives from the Sandwich-based company have handed over a £10,000 cheque to get the ball rolling on the development of the clubhouse and pitches.

The payment is the first installment of a £50,000 pledge the company has made and the donation was part of Pfizer’s 50th anniversary at Sandwich celebrations.

Director of the Sandwich Laboratories Dr Annette Doherty said: “Pfizer has a long-standing commitment to support the local community. The new ground will be available for use by other local sporting organisations and will provide a great boost for local sport.

“This donation is a great way of celebrating our 50th year and recognising the strong links we have with the town. Our business is the research and development of medicines that make people’s lives better, and this donation is another way of encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles by playing sport.”

The money will partly fund the refurbishment of the club’s former ground at Boatman’s Hill, off Woodnesborough Road. Sandwich Town currently play at Gazen Salts.

Pfizer has pledged a further £40,000 towards the project once full funding has been secured.

Dr Doherty presented the cheque to club chairman Cllr Jeff Franklin and the Sandwich Town junior and senior teams.

The refurbishment will result in a fully modernised sports pavilion, including new changing rooms, showers and a lounge area.

The money will also help create five new full and junior-size football pitches.

Pfizer chose to make the donation to help support Sandwich Town Council’s STARR initiative, which aims to involve the community in reviving the town.

Creating new sports facilities at the club is one of STARR’s priority projects and it is hoped that Pfizer’s support will help encourage donations towards the project from other local and national organisations.