AN all weather sports pitch has been officially opened at a north Durham primary school.

The £40,000 facility at Lanchester EP Primary School has equipment to allow children to play football, hockey, basketball, netball and short tennis.

David Gray, chairman of the Sir Tom Cowie Charitable Trust, which donated £9,000 to the scheme, officially opened the multi use games area today. (Friday, February 14)

Pupils at the school have also raised around £3,000 with sponsored sports events and a Christmas fair.

The school’s business manager Janette Marklew said: “This will really develop the outdoor area for the children.

"Currently the playing fields are on a flood plain so cannot be used for large parts of the year.

“The line markings mean that the children can enjoy a lot of different games properly. It is a bit more professional. They are very excited.”