The first sod was cut at the Coulman Road Recreation Ground by mayor Councillor Mrs Carol Williams making way for main contractors Watfords of Wombwell Ltd to move on site.

Among the plans, which are the brainchild of junior soccer club Moorends Hornets and Stingers and Thorne and Moorends Town Council, are an all purpose building consisting of a community hall and kitchen together with six state of the art changing rooms and showers, including Class A football pitches.

Town council clerk Ian Harrison told the Gazette: "This is the biggest project we've ever undertaken.

"We've maximised the area, it's very exciting for us."

The Coulman Recreation Ground was bequeathed to Thorne-Moorends Town Council in 1912 and has been popular with local sporting groups ever since.

Leader of the council, Martin Williams said: "We've been working on this with the Moorends Hornets for over four years.

"When I first came down here there was some grotty run down changing rooms and I said we should get some state of the art changing rooms and a hall so it could be used, not only for football but for the whole community of Thorne and Moorends.

"We're really pulled the stops out on this one.

"I'm proud as a town council that we've been able to do it in conjunction with the other organisations."

Among those funding the project are the council, the FA, Football Foundation, Helios and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Moorends Hornets secretary John Stewart said: "For the last five years we have worked tirelessly with the local council, FA, County FA and the Football Foundation, to help transform these facilties, to provide a better, safe environment for our players."

Coun Williams added: "It just shows what can be done at a local level if everyone works together."

The work on the pavilion should be completed by the end of the year and as the pitches have already been relaid it is hoped the football teams will be able to start the new season on the site.

Plans of the new pavilion can be seen by visiting www.thorne-moorends.gov.uk