DUNSCAR Conservative Club has made a remarkable turnaround in fortunes – with the completion of an £85,000 refurbishment.

The revamp comes just two years after the club was rocked with the revelation that treasurer Barbara Hare had siphoned off £131,000 over a five-year period.

The club was forced to take out an emergency loan to cover the debts, but after two years of hard work and support by the committee and members they are reaping the rewards.

The club, situated in Hardmans Lane, Bromley Cross, believe that the new look has created one of the best clubs in the area with facilities second to none.

Chairman Dave Southern says it is a real 'phoenix from the ashes' story.

'Ultimate disgrace' of Conservative club treasurer who transferred more than £130,000 from club accounts to help her son's troubled business

Mum and son have three months to 'find' £113,000 stolen from Dunscar Conservative Club

He said: "We were down on our knees two and half years ago with massive debts, but the support from committee and the members has been phenomenal and that has enabled us to turn things around.

"I believe that many clubs would have gone under if they had found themselves in our position.

"We were a profitable club before this happened and we are still a profitable club, but now we have made a serious investment for the club's future.

"We have applied for a public licence and that will allow us to open the club up to outside sources and that can only be beneficial for the future of the club."