Walney Central, known as Walney Cents, has leased the land for a rugby pitch, training area and clubhouse. The clubhouse is now 30 years old and needs major renovation work to bring it up to modern standards.

The land is being handed over to the rugby league club as part of the county council's community asset transfer policy, paving the way for Walney Cents to apply for grants.

Founded in 1934, the club has been based at Central Drive since 1984 and more than 100 children and 50 adults play rugby league on its ground.

Upgrading the clubhouse will not only provide enhanced changing rooms but also provide a facility for use by the local community and a source of income for the club, which would like to develop some all weather training areas and provide improved mini-rugby facilities.

Club Secretary Lesley Parkin, who worked on the arrangement, gave special thanks to those who have assisted the club, such as Derek Brook of Barrow Borough Sports, Walney County Councillor Mel Worth and County Councillor Anne Burns.

Mrs Parkin said "This is amazing, we have been wanting to own the land for years. We may be the only amateur rugby league club in the country to own our own ground.

"We can now apply for grants to improve the clubhouse and fencing.

"We are a not-for profit group. It's all about keeping rugby league alive on the island for the kids and everyone."

Last season Walney Cents first team brought the silverware home, winning the Cumbria Men's League, The Top Four Play-Off and the Barton Townley Final. They were also finalists in the in the Cumbria Cup seeing off National Conference League Teams Millom and Askam in the process. The club also has an A Team and junior teams from under six to under 14 level.

Many former junior players at Walney Cents have gone on to play professional rugby. St Helen's Super League player and Challenge Cup winner, Ade Gardener, who is on loan at Hull KR was a junior, as was his brother Matt Gardener, who plays for Leigh.

The clubs head coach, Gary Broadbent, was a Walney Cents junior, who went on to be a Super League player with Salford and he is the ex-captain of Barrow Raiders.

Ex-GB BARLA captain and former Barrow Player Stuart Dancer is an under 12's coach after himself being a Walney Cents junior.

Danny Morrow and Matt Holmes, who went from junior to senior ranks, have both toured as part of GB BARLA sides. Mr Morrow also assists with junior coaching.

Councillor Patricia Bell, the county councils cabinet member for the communities, said "Community asset transfers are a great way for the county councils to support communities by giving groups and organisations ownership of local facilities and helping them to secure their future."