WORK began this week on £16,000 renovations at Pontypool Rugby Club.

Corporate director Ben Jeffreys and Torfaen's AM and long-term backer Lynne Neagle saw the work kick-off under the stand at Pontypool Park.

New flooring will be installed throughout the building.

The members lounge will be carpeted and a new bar and surfaces installed, while in the home dressing home. Pooler hope to honour some of their greats by putting a plaque in each player's changing area with the names of past greats who've played in that position.

Thanks to sponsors Cardiff Sports Orthopaedics, the club will also have a newly kitted out medical room.

The work is being funded by lifelong fan, sponsor and backer Peter Jeffreys.

Last year, Mr Jeffreys, founder of medical services provider Medinet, was instrumental in saving the club from extinction after pumping in more than £100,000 of his own money to keep Pooler afloat.

The club had incurred huge legal costs as a result of an unsuccessful court case against the Welsh Rugby Union's decision to relegate them from the Premiership.

Pooler hope all the work, including the creation of a new club shop, will be completed in time for their first home game of the season against Bridgend Athletic on September 14.

Mr Jeffreys said: "The renovations are symbolic of our ambition to ensure that Pontypool RFC continues to expand on its iconic history for generations to come."

Ms Neagle struck the first hammer and said: "It was an honour to be asked ."