'We are so lucky!' Club celebrates upgrade

Officials at a non-league football club in Lincolnshire are celebrating the completion of a £1m upgrade to its ground.

Spalding United FC has laid what it calls a "state-of-the-art" artificial pitch at the club's home, Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

Floodlights and changing rooms have also been improved.

The club, known as the Tulips because of Spalding's association with the bulb-growing industry, said the revamped ground would also benefit the wider community.

Chief executive Leigh Porter said the new pitch was "looking great", adding: "We are so, so lucky to have it. The town needs it. The town is appreciative of it."

The Tulips men's team is set to play its first home game on the new pitch against Alfreton Town in the second qualifying round of The Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, 13 September, at 15:00 GMT.

In a previous statement, the club said the investment would help expand its footballing operations, introducing new teams across all age groups, and strengthening its women's and junior sections.

Spalding United, which competes in the Southern League Premier Central, has a 25-year lease on the playing field.