CONSTRUCTION work started this week on a new outdoor floodlit games pitch at Huntcliff School, Saltburn. It will be used in the evenings and weekends by the adjoining leisure centre, providing a welcome boost to the town's sporting and leisure facilities.

Val Clayden, the school's assistant head, said the multi-use games area would bring Saltburn in line with larger towns like Redcar and Guisborough.

"I understand the Government is trying to put more of these pitches near schools and leisure centres," she said.

It is hoped the new facility will be in use by the end of November. Games to be played on it include five-a-side football, hockey and possibly tennis. Mrs Clayden said Redcar and Cleveland Council planning committee had ordered the pitch to be sited next to the leisure centre to avoid affecting people living near it.

Both Huntcliff School and Saltburn Primary School will use it during the day. Part of the contract includes installing a new gym floor at Huntcliff School, a job which is taking a week-and-a-half. Funding for the games pitch is coming from the New Opportunities Fund, which is part of the national lottery.

John Dobson, manager of Saltburn leisure centre, said details of opening hours and charges had not yet been finalised. But he expected it would be open until about 10pm on evenings. Weekend opening hours would probably be Saturday mornings and all day Sundays.