RUGBY union and tennis presenter John Inverdale has highlighted a Cheshire club as being an example to follow.

Inverdale, who forged a long career on radio and television with the BBC and ITV, was the guest speaker at Lymm Rugby Club this month and entertained 200 guests over two functions.

"I am delighted to be invited to what clearly is a great grassroots rugby club," said the 66-year-old.

"I played vets rugby until I was 48 so have a great affinity with Lymm Rugby Club.

"Your ethos and infrastructure here are great lessons to clubs throughout the UK.

"The catering was excellent as well!"

Organised to raise funds for Lymm Grassroots Clubhouse Appeal, demand for tickets was so high that Mal Pritchard, the event organiser, laid on both a dinner and a lunchtime occasion, which were held in the clubhouse.

Pritchard said: 'John is now chairman of the National Leagues, working with the RFU, so it was great for us to welcome him and show him round.

"The feedback from his talks has been outstanding and we have had a great couple of days. We even fitted in a round of golf."