Travellers with more than 70 caravans have invaded Harrow Rugby Club's ground off The Common in Stanmore.

Their arrival on Wednesday last week has been followed by fly tipping and damage to the three pitches, the clubhouse and other facilities.

The 500-member club hopes to win a High Court order today (Thursday) and to evict the travellers from the 12 acre site tomorrow.

Club spokesman John Church said the legal bill and the anticipated cost of clearing up was "a very substantial expense which we can ill afford".

The club was due to start training, with the start of the season just six weeks away, but fears its pitches have suffered serious damage from caravans and lorries.

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