A SCHOOL has unveiled a £250,000 all-weather pitch as part of a drive to enable pupils to further their sporting skills and fitness.

Funding for the Astroturf pitch at independent Cundall Manor School, near Thirsk, was raised through donations and events staged by the 400 pupils and their parents.

The school's sports director, former Leicester Tigers full-back John Liley, said the pitch would be used by pupils throughout the school for a variety of sports, whatever the weather.

It will see daily use, both during lessons and out of school training hours, by local sports clubs.

Headteacher John Sample said: “We are delighted to have this amazing facility on site.

"Team sports is part of our daily curriculum and we had been losing valuable coaching time transporting pupils to neighbouring training pitches.

"Now we can focus our time and efforts on honing their skills on site."