A BRAND new sports pitch at a primary school in Alveston has been officially opened by players from Bristol Rugby Club.

The all-weather pitch at St Helen’s Primary School is the product of a parent and school-led campaign to raise £70,000, and has been converted from a disused swimming pool.

Giving the children a voice in the decision on how best to use the space, it was decided that it would be kept in sport, with an artificial pitch eventually being chosen.

Today marks the end of the two-year fundraising campaign, with pupils, teachers and parents being joined by the Bristol Rugby first-team players and their mascot Brizzley Bear to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility.

“The children have been really excited for today and it has been a great experience,” said St Helen’s head teacher Andy Spens.

“We settled on a sports pitch, despite the few suggestions of having a water park and then over two years with a group of parents began the process of raising the funds.

“The efforts by parents have been amazing and as a result have meant there was no impact on the school budget, with donations from charities, businesses and local people.

“It’s great to have the players from Bristol here today as an inspiration to our pupils, it is all about developing sport in children, and what better way to do that than to have some of our sporting stars along to meet them.

“So many people have been involved over the course of the project so it is hard to thank everyone individually, but a big thankyou goes out to the community for pulling together and turning it into a legacy for the future.”

After the ribbon was cut, the players spent time signing autographs and chatting to their young fans.

"For us it is fantastic to come out into the community and support initiatives like this,” said Tom Tainton, Bristol Rugby’s head of communications.

“I think it’s great how the parents and local companies have clubbed together here in Alveston that future kids can come and enjoy.”

The day also celebrated the retirement of Arthur Gardiner, who has left the school at the age of 82, having worked as a cleaner for the past 18 years.

Mr Spens said: “Arthur is a great guy and has added so much to the school, it has been a great final day for him I am sure.”