A transformation of Hartlepool's largest recreation ground, costing more than £1m, has reached another important milestone.

The town's mayor, Stuart Drummond, unveiled a plaque to officially open a two-storey pavilion at Grayfields, off Jesmond Road.

The building houses changing rooms, referees' accommodation, a social area and first aid room, and is the latest phase of improvements which have included the creation of a floodlit, artificial turf sports pitch.

The transformation has been made possible thanks to a £974,000 grant from the Football Foundation, with the remainder coming from Hartlepool Borough Council.

The new-look Grayfields - which covers about 40 acres - provides facilities for a range of sports, including football, rugby, cricket and outdoor bowls. It also hosts sporting and community events such as football development courses, local football leagues and the Football Not Fire anti-arson initiative.

Mr Drummond said: "Improvements to the town's sporting facilities have long been needed, and gradually we are bringing each one up to a far better standard.

"I am delighted to celebrate the opening of the new Grayfields pavilion.

"We are breathing new life into the Grayfields site and more people are being encouraged to get involved in sport and leisure activities.

"My sincere thanks go to the Football Foundation and the other funders who have made this project a reality, and I would also like to pay tribute to the Friends of Grayfields, who campaigned long and hard for the improvements."

The council is seeking further funding to complete the final parts of the project to regenerate Grayfields - the creation of four mini football pitches and improvements to the cricket pitch.

Complementing the physical improvements was the appointment in 2005 of the council's football development officer, David Burns, to lead a ten-year football development plan across the town, building youngsters' footballing skills while also tackling social issues.

His post has been funded with support from the Football Foundation, New Deal for Communities and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.