A new sports facility in the grounds of Ysgol Llanbedr that was completed over the summer has been officially opened.

The multi-use games area (MUGA) offers an opportunity for members of the local community to play sports including football, tennis, short tennis and netball after six in the evening and at weekends. During the day, pupils from Ysgol Llanbedr will benefit from the new all-weather pitch for PE lessons and extra-curricular activities.

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Friends of Ysgol Llanbedr initially submitted a funding application to Welsh Government two years ago and since then have been going through the process of putting out tenders, gaining local permissions and co-ordinating the final build.

G J Teeson Ltd, Ruthin, were awarded the contract and the whole area was started and finished over the school summer holidays.

Sian Jones, parent governor, spearheaded the project. She said: “It’s fantastic to finally see the new games area open and we hope the whole community will enjoy the benefits of participating in the different sport uses it offers.

“We are also looking to start walking football for the over 50s on Saturday mornings as an enjoyable socialising opportunity.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard on bringing the project to fruition. Gary Teeson and his team have done a brilliant job and our thanks also go to Lyn Evans, Chairman of the Community Council, for all his support.

“People can visit our Facebook page ‘Llanbedr Astroturf’ for more information about the facility.”

Pupils from the school presented Mrs Jones with a thank you card and a bouquet of flowers.

Suzanne Van Loock, headteacher, said: “We are thrilled to have this wonderful new facility for our pupils to use which is set in an idyllic location, surrounded by the stunning Clwydian Range. I am sure it will be a major asset for the whole community.

“We are all grateful to Sian and the Friends of Ysgol Llanbedr who have worked tirelessly to make this happen and our huge thanks to everyone from Teesons’ for their hard work and professionalism.”

To enquire about the games area and to make a booking please contact Sian Jones on 07867 534402