THE first stage has been completed in a multi-million pound project to provide 21st century sports facilities for students in Chipping Sodbury.

A third generation floodlit artificial grass pitch was officially unveiled at Chipping Sodbury School on Tuesday.

The pitch has been constructed using the latest technology to make it as real as grass as possible and was opened with a Year 11 exhibition match, followed by coaching sessions for pupils from local primary schools.

The pitch is part of a £3.7million scheme to update sports facilities at the school. Work on a huge indoor sports centre, dance studio and classroom is underway and due to be completed in the summer next year.

The project has been funded by the school and South Gloucestershire Council as well as a £800,000 grant from the Football Foundation.

Headteacher Philip Lidstone said: "After all the planning and preparation, I am delighted we now have the first part of our sports project completed. "This pitch and the sports centre will be major assets to both the school and the local community."

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: "Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people.

"It is thanks to the funding from our partners the Premier League, The FA and Government that the Football Foundation exists to support this type of excellent project in Chipping Sodbury."

The sports pitch is being seen as a major boost to sports facilities in Chipping Sodbury and it will be available for community use outside of school hours. The pitch will be made available to groups and clubs from January 2010, anyone interested should contact the school on 01454 862900.