Devon rugby club gets cash seized from criminals for new gazebo

The new gazebo will be used to shelter players from the weather at matches around the county

A youth rugby club in Devon has been given £300 by police in an initiative to make use of money seized from criminals.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they had awarded Newton Abbot's under-10s rugby group the money to fund a new gazebo.

The gazebo would protect players from weather conditions at matches across the county, the force said.

Insp James Johnson said it was "wonderful" to be able to help the club.

He said: "Not only does the rugby club offer young people a chance to grow their passion for sport, but it's also an outlet for them to learn essential life skills outside of school in a fun informal setting.

"The non-profit club has one of the largest junior attendees, teaching over 300 young people aged five to 18.

"Being able to reinvest money from crime and use it to support a club that has a positive impact on the lives of so many young people in our community is wonderful."

'Fantastic addition'

Club under-10s coach Matt Pomeroy said: "Newton Abbot U10s would like to say a massive thank you to Devon and Cornwall Police for our new gazebo.

"We are looking forward to watching some quality rugby from our new and dry gazebo.

"It will be a fantastic addition to the squad and will really help to keep teams dry and out of the weather and ready for some great rugby."

Police teams in Devon and Cornwall regularly award grants to a range of projects, charities and groups, from local foodbanks to volunteer training.