THE chairman of Derby Rugby Club has paid tribute to volunteers who helped keep its bar and function rooms open after the closure of the company that ran them.

In October, the Derby Telegraph revealed that Concept XV, which ran the Haslams bar, restaurant and function rooms at the club, had gone into administration.

The company went into liquidation, with the loss of about 12 jobs, and the bar and restaurant closed on October 21.

Difficult trading conditions caused by the economic downturn were cited as the reason.

But the running of the facilities at the club's ground, in Haslams Lane, Darley Abbey, have since been taken on by the club itself, with volunteers rallying round.

The club bar is now open during weekday evenings and all day at weekends to both members and non-members.

Club chairman Martyn Murney said: "We needed to ensure that the rugby continued at the club without any major disruption after the closure of Concept XV, and we have been able to achieve this.

"It's hasn't been easy, but the tremendous work and support from a number of key people has ensured we have been able to run the bar and look after our catering needs ourselves.

"The function rooms of the club are open for parties and bookings and we hope that people will come back to us and use the facility.

"The club is in an ideal position, close the city centre, plenty of parking and a great atmosphere."

Mr Murney said that although the club had taken on the extra work, the performance of the team on the pitch remained its first priority.

He said: "On the pitch things have improved tremendously in the past 12 months and the same could be said for things elsewhere in the club."

Since Derby Rugby Club moved from its former ground in Kedleston Road to Haslams Lane in 2002, the number of members has increased by about 150 to about 700.

There are five senior teams, an under-19 side and 14 junior teams.

The first team plays in the Midlands One East league. It is fourth in the table.