An appeal to raise funds for a new artificial pitch at Ely City Hockey Club has netted more donations from local businesses.

An online campaign by the club and this newspaper for a new Astroturf pitch at Downham Road has so far raised just over £1,000 – but recently the club has received more boosts thanks to G’s Fresh, St Mary’s Pharmacy and Red Shoes Accounting of Littleport.

The trio have all donated generous sums which, with money already put aside by the club, pushes it closer towards its target of £215,000 – but there is still work to be done, says Julia Gilbert of the Ely Outdoor Sports Association (EOSA).

“In addition to appealing to local businesses and our own fundraising, we are in the process of applying for grants for various organisations with the ultimate aim of having the pitch replaced by this time next year,” she said.

Club representatives also met with Notts Sports – England Hockey’s approved facilities partner – last week, to discuss how more progress could be made and followed that by attaching a fundraising ‘thermometer’ at the side of the pitch to keep track on any money raised.

• To donate, click here and for more information, email Julia.gilbert@virgin.net.