SOCCER star Franck Queudrue officially opened the first sports college in a North-East town yesterday.

The Middlesbrough player visited Longfield School, in Darlington, to see the facilities available to pupils and the community.

The school has attained sports college status, paving the way for Government grants. Many facilities are available, including a dance studio, computer suite, gymnasium and new music rooms.

Pupils will also use computers in the facility to write a sports newsletter.

The college will be run by the Youth Sports Trust and was given Sport England funding. Headteacher Keith Cotgrave said: "This is an exciting time at Longfield, and sports college status will help our pupils achieve higher standards and gain better health."