Ollerton have become the latest Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire club to be awarded the prestgious RFU Seal of Approval.

The award and the Sport England Club Mark is only awarded to club's who achieve the highest standards in providing a safe, effective and child-friendly environment in which youngsters can learn their sport.

To achieve the award Ollerton had to meet strict criteria and the Seal of Approval completes a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the NLD/North Leicestershire League club.

Three years ago Ollerton were down to one senior side but, following a vigorous recruitment camaign and help and advice from the RFU and NL&D through the RU Ready for RU campaign, they now turn out three senior sides on a regular basis and have 45 youngsters, between the ages of ten and 14, in their flourishing youth section.

"We have worked very hard to raise the profile of the club and to make the club a focus of attention for the community of Ollerton," said club secretary Allan Black.

"Club members have involved themselves in community projects such as a bike ride which raised £4,500 for cancer research and our ladies section - the women who help out in the club- have also raised money for our local hospital.

"We have got our playing strength back up by persuading some former players to come back to the club but we have also had a major recruitment campaign in the town. We picked up new players in the euphoria that followed England's World Cup win, we have relaunched our junior section and, so far, we have managed to maintain our playing numbers."