A NEWTON Abbot football team has received a £2,000 donation from developers building new homes next to their ground.

Buckland Athletic has been given the cash by Persimmon Homes South West which is building the development at Langford Bridge.

The club, which is based next door to the site, received a previous £2,000 donation two years ago.

Established in 1977, the club plays in the Western League Premier Division where they are currently competing to finish the season in the top five.

They also have a venue facility at the ground that can be hired for a wide variety of corporate functions as well as celebratory and social occasions.

John Piller, Co-Chairman of Buckland Athletic FC, said: ‘Since Persimmon were appointed developers of the land surrounding us, we have enjoyed a very good working relationship and are proud to provide the space for their current sales office at our ground.

‘Communication between ourselves and Persimmon has always been positive, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.

‘On behalf of the football club, I would like to thank Persimmon Homes for their continued support through this Community Champions payment.’

Persimmon’s outline planning permission allows for up to 450 homes at the development, which is due to include a school and commercial local centre with £2.7m to be delivered as part of the section 106 agreement, with money going towards playing pitches, bus services, improved cycle and pedestrian connections, a new link road, and territory for cirl bunting.

Its Community Champions scheme has donated to Newton Abbot Museum, Decoy BMX, Newton Abbot College, and The Lodge Skate Park.

Persimmon Homes South West Sales Director Stacey Harris said: ‘Persimmon already has a significant presence around Homers Heath so, naturally, we want to support our neighbours at Buckland Athletic.’