A NEW Astroturf pitch has been officially opened at Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering.

The pitch is jointly owned by the school and Ryedale District Council (RDC) and is managed out of school hours by Everyone Active, on behalf of the community, as part of the Ryedale Sports Centre complex.

Funding was provided by the school, RDC and a public open space and recreation grant, funded from nearby developments.

Nicki Ross, operations manager at Everyone Active, said: “This new facility will provide even more opportunities for local sports clubs and residents to take part in physical activity and will contribute towards creating a happier and healthier community.”

Andy Park, head of PE at Lady Lumley’s, said: “I’m so pleased we were able to secure the funding for this project properly as this will enable the school, and the wider community, to be able to play a variety of sports competitively and in a safe and appealing environment.

“The facility will also enable us to continue to develop the sporting opportunities for Lady Lumley’s and local primary school children which will have a positive effect on promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Hazel Winter, from Pickering Hockey Club, which uses the pitch, said: “We are thrilled to have a new surface to play on, and the re-opening of the synthetic pitch was perfectly timed to coincide with the Women’s Hockey World Cup, which took place in London at the end of July.

“The club is positive the new pitch, and the rise of women’s hockey, will inspire more females to come to take part in the games.”

The club is holding “Back to Hockey” sessions on Thursdays, from 7pm to 8pm.

Mrs Winter said: “The sessions are aimed at adults who haven’t played for a while, as well as newcomers who want to get involved in a new sport in a friendly environment.

“The club has developed a thriving junior section over the last three years and for the first time next season will be running a session for U16 girls, as well as U14 girls/boys and U12 girls/boys.”

Anybody interested should email pickeringladieshockey@hotmail.com

To book the pitch, go to everyoneactive.com/centre/ryedale-sports-centre/