The public have voted for Earls Colne Recreation Club to have a £10,000 makeover of its facilities as the winner of a competition sponsored by building and decorating supplies company Kent Blaxill and Crown Paints.

Earls Colne Recreation Club was chosen ahead of eight other entrants from across Essex. Kent Blaxill managing director Simon Blaxill was also present to confirm officially the prize.

“I am over the moon,” said Sue Freaar, manager of the Recreation Club, “I am so pleased, I think everyone in the village is. I still can’t really believe it, it will make such a difference. We finally have some money to fix up the site, and make it into the fantastic facility it should be.”

More than 3,000 votes were recorded from members of public voting in the competition via social media.

Crown specifiers have already visited the club’s facilities, which have been untouched for 40 years, to assess what is required for the facelift.

In the ground’s application, it stated: “Families deserve a fun and safe environment to build the community spirit, a place to participate in family activities to make precious memories and enrich the lives of those using the facility.”

Local tradesmen are volunteering their time to carry out the facelift work on the winning building during September.