Ilkley Rugby Club have been notified that they have been awarded the prestigious Seal of Approval by the Rugby Football Union.

Regional Development Officer John Lawn has been guiding the club through the process of properly documenting and then implementing a range of policies towards running the club in an approved manner.

These ensure that players and parents/supporters behave in an appropriate way on and off the field and ensuring that there are open pathways for anyone to participate in the wonderful game that is Rugby Union at the Ilkley club.

The club is committed to the RFU guidelines and all that they entail.

The Seal of Approval is the RFU version of the Sport England kite mark for sports clubs.

Chairman Richard Scargill said: "I am delighted with this award. It is due reward for all that has been done at this club over many years. In many ways it is documenting what we already did anyway.

"In many other ways it gives everyone concerned with the club and particularly the junior section a set of guidelines which will form the basis of our administration and the way we play the game for years to come.

"It not just a document wallet but an on-going process which will mean that the club is continually striving to improve.

"The development plan contained in the Seal of Approval documents is a well thought out road-map for our future. It will ensure that Ilkley Rugby Club contributes to the physical well being of the community we serve and provides a place where young people can come and enjoy sport as it should be played.

"I hope that prospective sponsors for our latest initiative, the appointment of a Rugby Development Officer for the Ilkley area, will be suitably impressed with this achievement.

"We are one of very few clubs in the country to have this award.

"My thanks go to Tom Gillon and the junior section for their dedication to doing all the work required of them and then to ensuring that all participants, players, parents/carers and volunteers in whatever capacity, fully subscribe to it."

An award ceremony will be arranged at a later date.