A project to rebuild a cricket pavilion and cafe is about to begin after nearly two million pounds was raised.

After months of fundraising and planning, the dilapidated 1960s clubhouse on Chorleywood Common is to be demolished and replaced by a new modern pavilion.

The new clubhouse will be home to Chorleywood Cricket Club and a cafe, that will be run by Mission EmployAble; a charity that trains young adults with learning disabilities.

The cafe will be open seven days a week serving a selection of refreshments, and along with a small gift shop, will provide views over Chorleywood Common.

Mission EmployAble and the cricket club have raised £1.7 million of the £2 million needed to make the pavilion a reality.

The new building is expected to be completed early next year.

The cricket club and Mission EmployAble said in a joint statement: "We are delighted that contractors, Boom Construction Ltd from St Albans, are starting on the new building, which will be a huge asset to cricketers and the community, as well as enriching the lives of young people with a learning disability.

"We will work hard to protect the Common during the building works and minimise inconvenience to residents."