A £23m expansion programme at Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways stadium has been given approval by Wychavon District Council.

The ambitious proposals from the Guiness Premiership club include the construction of a new north stand, which will take capacity in the ground to 13,200 – making it one of the largest in the league.

The proposals include a health club with raquets facility, a new car park and replacement training pitches, and the work would require the improvements of surrounding access roads and the remodelling of a brook which runs adjacent to the site.

Club owner, Cecil Duckworth, said: "The comments by a number of councillors were that it was probably the most exciting project they’ve received in the past 10 years.

"They were extremely supportive, which is an endorsement of the hard work that everyone has put in, including our architect Ian McConaghy and our consultants Robert West."

The plans are now to be approved by the Secretary of State.