A NORTH Yorkshire college has officially launched a new football pitch with the help of ex-football star.

David Wheater, who formally played for Oldham Athletic as a defender, kicked off the opening by cutting the ribbon.

Players from Whitby Town Football Club's first team took to the field soon after for the first kickabout on the pitch.

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The all weather pitch is set to provide the ideal training facility for the college's students and young people, and will serve the wider community in an attempt to increase sports participation.

Jason Faulkner, college principle, said: "It’s fantastic to see the results in place, of what has been a massive team effort.

"Thanks to the support of our partners, this will be a great asset to the college and the surrounding communities.”

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: "This is the latest example of investment from our partners, the Premier League, the FA, Government and Sport England."

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