A COMMUNITY sports facility has opened thanks to a three-year sponsorship programme.

The three tennis courts at the Riverside Sports Complex, in Chester-le-Street, have been renovated and were launched yesterday with a mini-tennis competition for teams of school children from the area.

The Chester-le-Street project received £50,000 from Barclays Spaces for Sports, a three-year, £30m community sponsorship programme to create and improve sports facilities in communities across the UK. The programme is a partnership between Barclays, Groundwork and the Football Foundation.

Residents have been working with Chester-le-Street District Council and environmental charity Groundwork to create the site.

A council spokesman said: "Not only will the project encourage people to take up sport and improve their health, it should bring people together and strengthen community spirit.

"The project will work to ensure long-term activity at the facility and will provide coaching, kit and equipment to encourage residents to take part and get the most out of the site."

Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, said: "Facilities like these are vital in helping people in Chester-le-Street - young and old - to take part in sport.

"The funding from Spaces for Sports is very welcome, and I'm pleased to be involved in launching these excellent tennis facilities."

Project manager Kay Mills, of Groundwork, said: "Our experience shows that people really value the opportunity to have a say in improving their neighbourhoods and make them better places to live, work and play."