St Francis 2000 football club appealed to the planning inspector after Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee rejected the club's application to replace existing fencing and to extend the number of football pitches.

The club, which was formed in 1982 and reformed in 2000, leases a large area of land in Rossmere Way, close to Rossmere Park, in Hartlepool.

The application, in December last year, also asked for permission to change the use of the site from public open space to football pitches.

The application was rejected by committee members over fears that Rossmere Way would see an increase in traffic and because they didn't want to close off an open space.

Club bosses appealed and planning inspector, John Gray, ruled in their favour.

The planning inspector said the concern for traffic and parking was understandable but in his opinion "unsubstantiated".

The appeal will allow the club to remove the existing 3ft-high fence and replace it with a 6ft fence around the perimeter incorporating additional land for an extra pitch.

Club officials feared the original decision could have cost them £500,000 worth of funding from the Football Foundation to build new changing facilities.

Club secretary, Keith Everitt, 58, said: "Everybody at the club is absolutely over the moon and there is a great buzz about the place.

"We have permission now so the next stage is to raise the money for the fence but that could take up to six months.

"It has also given us the opportunity to apply for funding from the Football Foundation through Durham FA for money to build new changing rooms and a club house.

"If we get the funding then we could also use the club house as a youth club on a night. The whole community would benefit and we are now moving in the right direction."

Three years ago club officials were quoted £35,000 for the new fence to be erected and they will now host a series of fundraisers.

Mr Everitt, a former welder, said: "We will be going to local businesses to appeal for funding to help us get this project off the ground.

"The club will be holding race nights at the club to try and raise as much money as possible."

The club, which currently has four pitches, caters for teams of youngsters aged between four and 18 and they also have senior and ladies football teams.

If anybody would like to donate money contact Keith Everitt on (01429) 868544.