Months of generous voluntary labour will be rewarded when Dominic Raab MP formally opens Claygate’s new £350,000 community clubhouse on Friday, May 25.

The new facility has already opened for business and includes new changing facilities and a thriving cafe in the new clubroom.

The fundraising and the management of the project was been carried out by members of the cricket club and, in addition, much of the internal work was done with the help of volunteers.

The cricket club, football club and community did most of the work, such as carpentry, painting and landscaping.

In addition to being the home for the main users - Claygate Cricket Club and Claygate Royals Football Club - it is already attracting use by a wide range of community groups.

The new building replaced the old clubhouse, which was more than 75 years old and, as part of the project, has been knocked down and the area cleared.

Mr Raab, MP for Walton and Esher, actively supported the project from the beginning.

He said: “In a year which will be dominated by the Olympics, it’s vital that we recognise the efforts of a local community in terms of improving sporting facilities at a very different level.”

Stephen Wells, chairman of the Claygate Recreation Ground Trust said: “This is the biggest public building to be built in the village for many years and has created an attractive and important community facility for use and enjoyment for generations to come.”

The money for the work came from grants, donations and sponsorship, but there was £60,000 of loans outstanding.

Mr Wells said: “It’s been a magnificent achievement. We now have a new home which I think everyone who has seen it will agree that it has exceeded everyone’s expectations.”