PUPILS have been enjoying their first sports sessions in the new £650,000 sports hall at Hanley Castle High School this week.

The long-awaited building, with four badminton courts, changing rooms and storage, will serve the school's 850 children and local sports clubs which hire it.

"It's looking absolutely wonderful," said headmaster Alan Johnston.

"It's a huge building, but it has been built to a very high specification."

Constructed of brick, with cedar cladding and a tiled roof, the hall looks similar to the original school building.

Care has been taken to set it at a lower level on a natural slope, soften the roof line and plant trees to reduce the impact of its size.

"Until now we've only had a gym, which was all right when we had 500 children, but it's a different matter with 850," said Mr Johnston.

"A sports hall has always been an issue.

"We identified a need when I first came here in 1991.

"We're very relieved to have got it at last. It's gorgeous."

Heavy-duty nets can be used to divide the hall, allowing different sports to take place at the same time.

Pupils will be able to practise archery, badminton, basketball, cricket, tennis, hockey and five-a-side football.

Official opening will take place on Thursday, May 30.