SPORTING talent was given a massive boost yesterday when a £1.3 million complex was officially opened in Martley.

Worcester's Olympic badminton star Simon Archer was the star guest at Chantry High School to cut the ribbon and begin a new era for students.

The complex, funded partly by Lottery cash and Malvern Hills District Council, will not only give students a boost but will also be open to the public after school hours.

And for the school's head of Physical Education, Paul Essenhigh, it was a dream come true.

He said: "This complex will be absolutely phenomenal for the school because we can now vary our curriculum like never before.

"We used to have a very small little sports hall, but now students have a whole host of facilities to use."

The centre of excellence, which is built on school ground, features four badminton courts, a £50,000 climbing wall and changing rooms.

It also contains a state-of-the-art fitness suite which includes rowing and stepping machines, bikes and weights.

"The centre will be used as dual facility between the students and the public," said Essenhigh. "I've no doubt it will bring out the best in our students and hopefully provide more stars of the future like Simon Archer."