Warwickshire have been given the go ahead to put Edgbaston through a �2 million facelift.

The county are planning a major refurbishment of the Eric Hollies stand, which will see 1,300 seats added and a roof built in time for the Test match against Sri Lanka in May 2002.

The work will increase Edgbaston's capacity to 21,000 and provide spectators with a new covered area for refreshments, new toilets, increased concourse space and improved disabled facilities.

The club say the design of the new stand will "establish a bold modern image for a part of the ground that was originally constructed many years ago".

Chief executive Dennis Amiss added: "At the first Ashes Test match against Australia, demand for tickets far exceeded the available number of seats available.

"The additional capacity will give a wider audience the opportunity to experience international cricket at Edgbaston."

Edgbaston hosted its first Test match in 1902, when England drew with Australia.