A NEW £600,000 sports facility including changing rooms and refurbished artificial turf pitch has been unveiled.

The new facilities at the former Roseberry Sports and Community College at Pelton, near Chester-le-Street were officially opened on Saturday.

The new changing pavilion includes changing rooms for four teams, two officials’ changing rooms and a clubroom.

At the launch, Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, said: “This new facility, with an improved pitch and changing pavilion, is an excellent addition to our area.

“Sites such as this one in Pelton benefit so many people, through providing a great social outlet and a way to keep fit whilst enjoying yourself”.

Cllr Bill Kellett, Chairman of Durham County Council, said: “I am delighted to be here today to see the opening of the new changing facilities and the refurbished pitch.

“This project will help ensure there are enough pitches in the area to meet the demand from clubs and will further encourage people of all ages to take part in physical activity and get more active”.