A GROUP of hard-working women are typifying the terrific spirit that surrounds Otley RU.

The Otley Ladies prepare hot pre-match meals, soup, sandwiches and pies for spectators - and they all do it voluntarily, often with a six hour stint on matchdays.

Rugby fanatic Sue Gamble, who attended England's recent World Cup Final triumph Down Under against Australia leads the intrepid teams of volunteers.

She said that people are drawn to the club because of its friendliness - and the fact that rugby is a terrifically entertaining game.

"I would urge anyone to come down here and give it a go, people may be surprised at how much fun it is," said Sue, of Bramhope.

"We all enjoy the match - I think rugby is the most wonderful game and the banter that we get with the players and the opposition is terrific.

"There is a nice atmosphere -you can bring children and the whole family down and have a really good time.

"One of the reasons I love Otley so much is because of the friendliness you find.

"The whole club is a closely knit family unit. If you look at one of the big forwards, say, chances are you will find him cradling a baby in his arms - it's that sort of club.

"Anyone can just come along and enjoy it."

Sue said one of her all-time favourite rugby memories was when Jonny Wilkinson kicked the goal that won the World Cup for England in Australia last Autumn.

"I was behind the goal when he kicked it and went mad - I just love the game," she said.

Sue said that Otley RU gets by with support from the community and has about 26 volunteers willing to help in shifts in the kitchen.

"I run two businesses and work in a doctor's surgery on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so before a game I am running around like a maniac trying to find time to fit everything in."

But Sue said the key to organising it all was that it was good fun and that she works with good people.

"We have a real sense of comradeship and we have a lot of fun.

"We run trips out and have forged some real friendships.

"There is no status here. Anyone can have a bad day and no-one will get on their back.

"There is no class distinction either - it doesn't matter whether you arrive in a Bentley or a push bike."

Sue said that she originally became involved with Otley Rugby when her son was just five years old and joined the club's impressive youth set up..

"I was asked to help out at the time, I agreed to it and ended up running the tea room on a Sunday.

"When he made it into the England squad at 16 I felt I had to put something back into the club. I have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since."

Vice Chairman Gordon Baines added that without these volunteers, the club wouldn't survive.

He said: "Our ladies have also gained a great reputation for the catering they provide. Before home matches we do a proper sit down lunch complete with wine and dessert course, all prepared by our ladies."

Mr Baines added that the ladies' work also provided a valuable source of income for the cash-strapped club.

"If we were to ever lose this family and community feel to our club, I think that I would stop coming. It's what makes Otley what it is. It's what makes us unique."

l Anyone wishing to volunteer as either a helper in the kitchen with the ladies or as a helper with the Wednesday Gang (see below) can contact the club office on (01943) 461180.

The club is also seeking more sponsors to boost its coffers. Any local firms interested can contact the number above.