A village cricket club which has twice stopped playing altogether is now so popular it is to enlarge its pavilion.

Martinstown has been given permission for an extension to its pavilion at its picturesque ground close to Maiden Castle.

Dorset Council has approved two flat roof extensions, a new patio area and some minor exterior alterations to the ground which is in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – now known as a National Landscape.

Winterborne St Martin parish council raised no objection to the changes for the club, which was formed in the village in 1928, although play stopped because of the Second World War, resuming  in 1953.

Over the year interest in playing waned and the club was wound up in 1975, being reformed in 1988 although suffered with no home of its own, making do with playing at Dorchester Rec’, the rugby club and the pitch at Herrison Hospital, until moving to the existing ground in 2000.

The club, which has had success in the leagues, remains popular with between 70 and 100 children attending training every year and fielding regular teams for men, women and youngsters.

“Since 1988, when the club was reformed, following 13 years of no club being in existence, the club has year on year sought to improve both the playing facilities and the playing standards of their members,” said a statement from the club in support of its planning application.

The flat roof extensions, to the rear of the Pavilion, will improve home and away team changing areas; while new interna; store will replace a pair of external storage areas, with an enhancement to the viewing areas, lounge and kitchen.