A MULTI-PURPOSE sports and arts facility in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, is gearing up for its full public opening next week.

The £475,000 project at St Bede's Primary School includes a sports hall and changing area, classroom, community office and refreshment area.

Pupils have used the facility for lessons since November, but the whole community will be able to use it after its opening by North Durham MP Kevan Jones, on Friday.

Councillor Neil Foster, Durham County Council's cabinet member for education, said: "This new development is something for the people of Sacriston - boys and girls, men and women, those from low income groups, all ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities - to use, support, contribute to, learn in and enjoy.

"If this type of investment enables the young people of Sacriston to start to participate in PE, sports and the arts, encourages them to stay involved in these activities, and ultimately allows them to succeed and reach their full potential, then it's money very well spent."

The project was funded by a £340,842 award from a joint Government and National Lottery funded scheme called Space for Sport and Arts.

Durham County Council and the diocese also gave £134,158 to the development.

Headteacher Harry Thomason said: "We're delighted to have these facilities on our school site for the children we teach and for local people who want to participate in sport, enjoy the arts and be part of a thriving community.

"It allows us to teach many different aspects of the PE curriculum in a warm, safe and enjoyable environment for learning, and provides lots of new activities out of school hours for our pupils."

The development, one of seven similar projects in other primary schools, marks the final stage of the Space for Sport and Arts programme in the county.