A PRIVATE school's "remarkable" new sports and performing arts centre has opened its doors to members of the public.

More than 1,500 parents, pupils and visitors had the chance to a look around The Keyes Building at King's Worcester.

The school has said the new centre, named after former headmaster Tim Keyes, is a building that can be used by all of the community.

Former pupil Rex Hazeldine, who was rugby captain and head of sport at King’s from 1961 to 1969, said: "This is a remarkable new facility and it is heartening to see the investment the school has made to ensure that sport will always be part of a King’s education and to encourage and support sport within the local community."

Students from across the King's School foundation took part in charity efforts to coincide with the Keyes open day.

Pupils from all three schools completed their biennial sponsored walk from Droitwich, following the canal via the King’s Hawford junior school and then along the River Severn, to finish at King’s Worcester and King’s St Alban’s.

The day was an opportunity to raise money for three charities – Help for Heroes, Headway and Blue Cross - and to invite the whole community to visit the three schools and take a tour around The Keyes Building.

Russ Mason, director of marketing: "This is a wonderful opportunity for King’s School to open its doors and share this state-of-the-art facility with the community and the city of Worcester.

"The school will welcome local sports, drama, rugby, football, basketball and cricket clubs to the facilities over the coming months."

Mr Mason said the fitness suite will be available for use outside of school hours by residents and sports clubs, while the new chess square will become the home of the Worcestershire Chess Association as well as the school’s own chess club.

Dance and drama studios will be available for the use of local drama clubs, travelling theatre companies and dance, yoga and fitness clubs.

He said: "It really is an exciting time for the King’s School and the community that surrounds us."

The Keyes building incorporates a new sports hall and fitness suite, a three-storey indoor climbing wall, two dance and drama studios, an outdoor sculpture gallery, a sixth form centre with meeting and seminar rooms and extensive new teaching facilities.

The official grand opening of the building will take place on Saturday, June 20.