A beer garden thought to be the biggest in Britain is being set up

Story and video from SWNS

Britain's biggest beer garden capable of seating 500 boozers is set to open on a converted rugby pitch.

Rugby league club Barrow Raiders has erected picnic tables in its stadium and hopes to be able to host up to hundreds of punters at a time in their makeshift pub garden.

The semi-pro club which plays in League One - two divisions below the Super League - has been hit financially since the country went into lockdown and sport was halted.

Chairman Steve Neale said the lack of sponsorship and ticket sales has created a cash shortfall.

But now the club plan to open their Craven Park pitch up as a beer garden at weekends when the government allows pubs and bars to re-open.

Mr Neale said the club plans to use their ground as a huge, socially-distanced outside bar, which will include table service to avoid crowding.

The club plans to organise the picnic tables at a safe distance away from each other on the pitch, where punters will also be able to lay out their own blankets.

The idea is for two bars to be in use, with a queuing system set up for the outside bar on the Popular Side of the stadium and table service to be organised from the indoor Raiders Bar.

Local councillor Bill McEwan has thrown his support behind the idea. He said: "You've got a large area where people can keep their distancing, they can space about and if it's policed correctly I think it's a wonderful idea once they get the go-ahead for pubs and clubs to open."