THE Fernhurst campaign to build a much-needed new pavilion scored a significant success when the plans it recently submitted to South Downs National Park plans received a ringing endorsement from three high-profile visitors.

Fernhurst Recreation Ground Trust was delighted when special guests Caroline Nicholls, High Sheriff of West Sussex, and Neil Hart, Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex, backed the community project.

Mrs Nicholls told the trust: “I think the plans for Fernhurst are very exciting, very ambitious but achievable.

“I think what’s really encouraging is how many people in the village are using the rec and are behind the Pavilion 2022 project.

“To go from 80 to 800 members across all the clubs, with 300 juniors, proves Fernhurst rec really is a hub of the local community. Pavilion 2022 deserves to succeed and I’m very sure you will.”

Mr Hart added: “These things don’t happen by accident. The leadership of this group and the clubs is outstanding. I’m really confident you’ll get there and that’s a great achievement for the community as a whole.”

Joining Mrs Nicholls and Mr Hart on their special visit was Fernhurst district councillor Norma Graves, who said: “It’s a great community spirit here and I know it’s attracting people from outside.

“They travel to Fernhurst because they can’t find this in the smaller villages around and even some of the larger ones. Fernhurst rec is supplying what children need. Once you’ve got the sport, you are on the right track and we need that sort of thing for the community. Whatever money the district council can afford, I’m sure we will. I will be voting for it.”

Responding, Fernhurst Recreation Ground Trust appeal chairman John Mitchell said “It’s tremendous to have this vote of confidence. Everyone can see we are victims of our own success here and the final piece in the jigsaw is the pavilion.”