BARRY RFC will start their season in new kit thanks to a £1,000 donation from Persimmon Homes East Wales.

The leading housebuilder donated the money as part of their community champions scheme.

Community champions is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding. In the first 12 months of the initiative the company donated £750,000 to causes across Wales, England and Scotland.

Barry RFC, now 129-years-old, boasts teams right from under-six level to senior level, as well as a ladies side.

The club relies heavily on outside financial support to keep running and applied for the money from Persimmon to buy new kit for training and playing.

Jonathan Venners, club funding co-ordinator, said: “Barry RFC is a very successful club which develops young men and women in the town, creating a community spirit and a sense of identity. Lifelong friendships have been nurtured at the club.

“On a Sunday morning you will see some 220 children of all ages improving their skills.

“At senior level, we have just completed our first year in Division Two after gaining promotion in 2014/15.

“All of this comes at a high financial cost. We are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes East Wales for this donation for new kit, which will help to continue to maintain the players’ identity and sense of belonging.

“It’s so refreshing to see big businesses getting involved with grassroots sport.”

Victoria Williams, sales director for Persimmon Homes East Wales, said: “We’re pleased to be able to hand over this money to Barry RFC, a major sports club in the area which we know is well used and well appreciated.

“So many volunteers put in a lot of hard work to keep these amateur clubs afloat. We’re pleased to be able to be in a position to help out.

“Helping clubs, organisations and charities in the areas in which we are building is absolutely central to our ethos.”

Persimmon Homes East Wales currently has houses for sale in Barry at Cwrt Maes Dyfan in Gibbonsdown Rise and Westhaven at Barry Docks.

For more information on all of Persimmon’s developments across South Wales visit persimmonhomes.com