YOUNGSTERS in Inkberrow have scored a major goal thanks to community-minded villagers who rallied round to raise funds for a basketball pitch.

The concrete pitch paved the way for the English Basketball Association to provide an Adidas basketball post and the new facility will be officially opened tomorrow at 7pm.

Coach James Davey will organise drills and games and offer tips on the sport at the pitch, which is on playing fields near Inkberrow Village Hall.

The £1,700 project was conceived by a group of just five 14 and 15 year olds and was boosted by a £518 grant from Wychavon Council last year.

Youth worker Jane Southwell said: "The young people have been real key players and no doubt feel a great sense of achievement that their project has been carried out.

"Myself and another youth worker asked what they would like to see in the village and they said there wasn't much to do, especially at night with the lack of public transport.

"They wanted an option that would be free to use once it was up and running and open to everyone in Inkberrow."

Fundraiser Ian Fooks and his friends helped raise money for the project through a sponsored car wash and disco.

He said: "This was a good opportunity for us all to work together and achieve something positive for the village.

"There are not many facilities for young people in rural locations and having this basketball pitch will make a difference, both in helping young people stay out of trouble and improving fitness."