A MULTI-million pound community sports facility in Hartlepool has reached an important milestone.

Karen Hyrons has been appointed manager of the £2.6m centre, which is being built at Brierton School, in Brierton Lane, and she will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the centre.

It is being funded by the National Lottery. Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget, Hartlepool Borough Council and the school

The centre is scheduled to be completed in June and will provide top class training and competition facilities for the school and the wider community.

The complex will include a sorts hall, two synthetic outdoor basketball and netball courts and a fitness suite. It will also feature outdoor changing rooms, a creche and meeting room and parking for cars and coaches.

It is hoped that as well as promoting sporting excellence, the new centre will also provide more opportunities for women, older people and people with disabilities to become involved in sport.

Ms Hyrons said it was an exciting opportunity and she was looking forward to the challenge.

"This will be a flagship centre, with brand new equipment and top-of-the-range facilities. We aim to create a centre of excellence in a variety of sports, so there is a very exciting future ahead."