The finishing touches are put to the new clubhouse of a Wigan football team previously plagued by vandals

Generous businesses and people have helped an ambitious amateur Wigan football club complete a significant stage in its race up the leagues.

A few years ago Standish St Wilfrids AFC was in trouble.

Its players’ performances on the pitch were fantastic but it couldnt’t get any higher up the ladder because its facilities were lacking and, when it tried to improve them, vile vandals undid much of the good work.

But a concerted effort by the club members, wider community and kind-hearted companies have seen it now sporting the features it needs to progress further.

Its newly-promoted first team is now finding its feet in the West Lancs League which is step seven on the pyramid at the top of which is the Premier League.

And as its fortunes off the pitch have caught up with match day performances, crowds are getting bigger.

Now, the finishing touches have been put to a new clubhouse which is a converted 45ft ex-articulated refrigeration unit.

Its facilities include a bar, dart boards, Sky TV, the internet and it serves hot and cold drinks.

Among the most recent acts of generosity to help it on its way was the donation and fitting of a set of French doors by local firm Howarth and Winnard.

And bosses have also paid tribute to Lee Dawber at Standish-based MPS whom they credit as being “instrumental in our progress with his continued financial support.”

On top of these facilities, which were to be used for the first time this weekend, there are already double-stacked home and away changing facilities and a toilet block, all kept under the watchful eye of a donated and comprehensive CCTV system to ward off any more ne’er-do-wells.

Manager Phil Ramsdale said: “So many people and companies have been very kind to help us fulfil our dreams.

“We had been struggling to source some doors and then Howarth and Winnard stepped up. We are so grateful.

“Quite a lot of people are coming to our matches now so it is good to have some proper, welcoming facilities, which allow us to progress further.

“It’s been such a wonderful turnaround from the frustrating stituation we were in a couple of years ago.”

The club was further aided in the summer by a £72,000 grant from the FA.

Both of the St Wilfrid’s teams are mid-table in their respective leagues after several games of the new season and remain in their cup competitions.

A spokesperson for Howarth and Winnard, which has supported the club for three decades, saidL “At Howarth and Winnard, we’re always happy to support our local community wherever we can.

“When St Wilfrid’s Football Club were looking for a helping hand, we were delighted to step in and help by donating and fitting a set of French doors for the club.

“We’re proud to have played a small part in helping the club and wish everyone at St Wilfrid’s all the very best!”

The club has also created a sponsorhsip scheme which sees local companies and members of the public sponsor the players.