The team behind big plans for a popular junior football club and running track have asked the town council for their support.

Cockermouth Junior Football Club is one of the largest clubs in West Cumbria. It has more than 350 members training and playing football matches, supported by a volunteer team of more than 30 coaches and committee members.

It has a long-term lease from the town council for the Tarn Close sports field.

The club recently secured planning permission from Allerdale Borough Council for a clubhouse including changing and toilet facilities.

The original plans were amended after Sport England objected to the loss of the running track. A two-lane 100m single track has now been incorporated in to the plans.

Club chairman Des Wright and treasurer Murray Spiers attended a recent town council meeting.

The initial phase - buildings, changing rooms and getting services to site - is expected to cost £300,000 to 400,000, said Des.

The next phase would involve expanding the playing area.

"We are here to seek your support and see whether there's room for a joint approach with the town council," said Des.

Mayor Andrew Semple said: "I think what you are doing is fantastic. The growth of football is hugely important."

Eighteen months ago there were no facilities on site, now there is a basic Portaloo, said Des.

"In two years' time we hope to have brick built facilities with appropriate changing facilities, toilets and a small meeting area.

"We envisage it having a broader community use," said Des.

"The design now accommodates a single dual lane running track down one side. We are in discussion with Derwent Athletic Club."

Councillors supported the plans and agreed to investigate the potential for a shared venture.

Clerk Sheila Brown said: "We would need to have more details of what the shared arrangement would look like - VAT, financial regulations, European directives etc. It's not straightforward.

"Then we can get legal advice."

Cllr Alan Kennon said: "If it's going to be done, it needs to be done properly. The site has got better and better over the years."

Following the meeting, Des said: "We are at advanced discussions with the Football Foundation who are supportive of the project and have indicated grant funding is available.

"Once we’ve clarified the final position our funding challenge will start in earnest and we will need grants and financial contributions from a wide range of funding providers and sponsors.

"We welcome the town council's support for our proposals and look forward to working with them to further develop a joint approach."