A MANAGER has been appointed to run a sports complex that is expected to open in Billingham in the autumn.

Chris Feenan is keen to establish links with local organisations and clubs that may be interested in taking advantage of the facilities at the Sportsdrome Centre, at the town's Northfield School.

Sportsdrome will be available for use by the community and will have a sports hall, changing rooms and meeting and function rooms.

The fitness centre will house the latest equipment and externally there will be a floodlit, all-weather playing surface,a floodlit, grass pitch and ten smaller pitches.

Mr Feenan said: "It is great to be able to introduce sport at grassroots level and witness the progression of young people right up to elite standard."

He praised headteacher David Youldon, director of sport Martyn Dwyer and the sports college manager John Heron in helping bring the scheme to fruition.

For further information, call Mr Feenan on (01642) 557373.