A NEW three-year deal has been tied up between Peebles Rugby Club and an award-winning spa.

And officials hope it will herald a new era as they attempt to create a community hub at The Gytes.

Stobo Castle Health Spa's sponsorship of Peebles Rugby was unveiled at the weekend.

It comes just after an application was submitted for Peebles RFC to be granted charitable status.

Peebles business director Russell Brock told the Peeblesshire News: “It is an exciting time for the rugby club as we have just elected a new board and the club aims to move in a new direction.

"The rugby club is currently applying for charitable status as a community club and is keen to welcome more women and families to not only join in and watch the rugby but use all of the club's facilities.

"The clubhouse already hosts theatre groups, darts league teams and music clubs to name but a few. We aim to diversify even more and make the club the real hub of community activity in Peebles.

"It is a terrific thing for the club to have such a prestigious company as Stobo backing us and the fact that such a well respected, industry leader is backing us gives us great confidence in moving forward."

Stobo Castle's generous sponsorship of community groups and events, including most recently the Christmas lights and fireworks display, has continued for over a decade.

And directors at the award-winning spa were happy to help Peebles Rugby Club in its drive to become a community club.

Jenni Watts, marketing director at Stobo Castle, explained: "Our three year agreement with Peebles Rugby Club is an example of Stobo’s keen sense of social responsibility - we feel it’s hugely important to support local talent and hopefully this funding will go some way towards achieving the club’s objectives in the future.

"We would also hope that this announcement will encourage other individuals/businesses to do the same.”