A POPULAR sporting facility in Newton Aycliffe has undergone a major refurbishment.

The well used 3G Pitch at Greenfield Community College has been resurfaced to offer people in the area a first-class sports space.

The eight-a-side floodlit ground had become worn since its opening in 2004 - with more than 50,000 visits a year.

David Priestley, executive headteacher for the college, said: “Greenfield Community College and its partners have worked hard over the last ten years to build a strong community sporting culture across the area.

"By installing a new playing surface the school will continue to provide a first class sports facility for the whole town.”

To celebrate the revamp, an official re-launch was held this week when teams of pupils from Chilton Primary School and Sugar Hill Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, put the pitch to the test with a game of football.

The new playing surface was made possible thanks to funding from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP).

GAMP allocated Area Budget funds along with contributions from the Neighbourhood Budgets of Durham County Councillors Eddy Adam, John Clare, Mike Dixon, Joan Gray, Jed Hillary, Kate Hopper and Sarah Iveson.

There was also substantial match funding from Greenfield Community College.

The 3G Pitch will continue to be used by regular groups, clubs and primary schools and is now available for bookings.

For more information contact facility manager Lee Boynton on 07879-117224 or search for Greenfield Community Sport on Facebook.