PLANS to change the face of Clent Community and Social Club received a real shot in the arm this week following a visit from Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid.

Mr Javid, who is Financial Secretary to the Treasury, was given a future vision of the historic club which was originally formed back in 1886.

Member and spokesperson Caroline Howard claimed: "We've reached the point where we need to bring the club into the 21st century and make it fit for purpose.

"It needs to be the hub of the community and is already used by a number of groups, but now we have to improve the existing facilities."

There are proposals for a complete refurbishment of the club, which is situated in Pool Furlong, to include a new meeting room, decking area and improved disabled access and facilities.

The club proposes to apply for grants to help fund the refurbishment which is expected to cost in the region of £100,000

Mrs Howard added: "Clent has a number of pubs and restaurants in the area, but they tend to operate at the top end of the market, while the club provides a community facility for all the family."

Mr Javid, who was instrumental in persuading the Government to lower the price of beer in the recent budget, was given a tour of the club and a free lesson in pint pulling by stewardess Dawn Bubb and her husband Steve.

He also expressed an interest in some of the fresh produce sold at the club until being told the man who provided the free range eggs was called Gordon Brown!