SPORTS mad students at a specialist college are showing that playing games is a serious business which can boost their learning and strengthen community ties.

Years of hard work at Sedgefield Community College have paid off and staff and students celebrated their specialist sports college status with an official launch by former Newcastle and England footballer Peter Beardsley.

The ceremony also recognised the college's Sportsmark Gold Award and marked the start of the Sedgefield School Sport co-ordinator partnership. Peter Beardsley also opened new tennis courts, where Prime Minister Tony Blair enjoys an occasional set.

An artificial pitch, a pavilion, a fitness suite and an ICT suite have been built with grants from a variety of sources including the Lawn Tennis Association, Sport England and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

Former deputy headteacher Mervyn Armstrong dedicated hours of his time to raising £50,000 from businesses and through school and community before a specialist status application could be made.

Assistant head Mirjam Buhler-Willey said that the new status had opened up opportunities for all the 970 pupils. She said: "Apart from the extra facilities, we now include sports in schemes of work and move lessons into the PE hall where appropriate. It has had an impact across the whole curriculum.

"Local clubs and associations use our facilities and we have a significantly closer relationship with the community, primary schools and Rosebank special school."

The college already boasts sports stars, including Hartlepool United goalkeeper Jim Provett and national junior ice skater Edward Hammond.