A NORTH-East university has opened what it claims is one of the country's most pioneering sports science centres.

Sunderland University says facilities in its Darwin Building are the best in the region and will allow North-East athletes to stay here for treatments, tests and analysis, as well as attracting athletes from farther afield.

The centre can deal with many sports injuries and offers physiotherapy, sports massage, rehabilitation and podiatry. It is also has a physiology laboratory, an online gas analysis unit, a heat humidity area and a bio-mechanics centre.

Ian Whyte, principal lecturer in sports and exercise science, said: "The facilities are a real boost for the university and the region.

"They will undoubtedly increase the professionalism of our students.''