The eight week project was carried out following funding from East Devon District Council, The King’s School, LED Leisure Management Ltd and a £113,000 grant from Sport England.

Ottery Leisure Centre has officially opened its newly revamped synthetic pitch following a six figure upgrade.

The eight week project was funded by a £113,000 grant from Sport England as well as contributions from the district council, The King’s School and LED Leisure Management Ltd.

Users will be able to benefit from new hockey and football goals, increased height fences, additional off pitch storage and improved dugouts for managers and subs.

The pitch has received an upgrade and can now be divided into three football pitches and two mini hockey pitches. There has also been improvements to the drainage system and newly installed shock pad and backboards.

Miss Kate Wright from The King’s School, said: “It has been fantastic to use the newly improved astro, especially during National School Sport Week. Events that have taken place up there this week include: a charity football tournament, house rounders matches, a girls cricket fixture and American Football. The space lends itself to a range of activities that engages the pupils on all levels. The school hockey club cannot wait until pre season starts in September which will allow us to be ready to hit the season running.”

LED’s Peter Binks said he was absolutely delighted the pitch was back in use and available to the community.

He added: “The new layout of the pitch, improved surface, better storage, safe run off areas and new equipment will enhance the playing experience of all those using the facility. It is also a more flexible and adaptable space, enabling more participants and groups to be accommodated and more playing options for a variety of sports.”

Councillor Tom Wright, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said; “It is our mandate to deliver sufficient and flexible, good quality playing pitches to meet the needs of our growing population and the new synthetic pitch at Ottery is an excellent example of how this strategy is already proving beneficial by providing superb sporting facilities not just for now but also the future.”