THE new full size Astroturf football and hockey pitch has been officially opened at Prince Henry's High School.

This has added to the already impressive sports facilities at the school and like the Prince Henry's Sports Hall/Worcestershire Cricket Centre, the pitch is available for public hire in the evenings and at weekends.

The pitch, which has state of the art floodlights, is already being heavily used by the school and by the local community.

Prince Henry's has also made the new facility available to its feeder middle schools and first schools.

Although largely self-funded, the school is grateful to Wychavon District Council for its support and the project has also been aided by the Parents and Friends of Prince Henry's Association and by an appeal fund launched by the school and boosted by generous contributions from former pupils.

Delighted head teacher, Bernard Roberts, said: "Provision for sport has always been excellent and we are very proud of the levels of engagement and commitment our pupils give.

"This new facility gives us the opportunity to reach even greater heights and to enjoy continuing success based on better coaching facilities.

"The pitch is also a tremendous recreational facility and is already very popular with pupils who are really enjoying their football matches at lunch time."