FORMER Newcastle United chairman Sir John Hall joined footballers, supporters and dignitaries to officially open the region’s newest football stadium yesterday.

Bishop Auckland FC hosted an afternoon of celebrations to mark the opening of its new home ground, Heritage Park, in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, and offered guests the opportunity to look around the facility, which took more than eight years to come into fruition.

The 2,000 capacity stadium, which includes a 250-seater main stand, is part of a multimillion pound leisure complex being built on the former Warner Electric site, which includes a Sainsburys supermarket that opens later this week.

Sir John Hall described Heritage Park as an excellent example of a public partnership.

He said: “The facilities are magnificent – it is an aweinspiring place. This is great for the club and the town because it will bring in extra income, which is wonderful. It will be a great asset for Bishop Auckland.”

Club chairman Terry Jackson said: “I am relieved and very pleased that we have managed to do it.

“This is an excellent new facility for the club, our supporters, the town and the nearby community.

“We’ve had a few obstacles to overcome, but we have done it and got ourselves the most wonderful home ground, and that is all that matters.”

Councillor Mac Williams, chairman of Durham County Council, which approved the conditions of planning permission for the stadium last July, said: “The facility is fantastic and I am sure the county council will continue to support the club.”

The stadium includes a fully-licensed function room, which is available for outside hire.

In addition to the all-seater main stand, there is also a stand with terraces and an option for fans to stand around the outside of the pitch.

The official opening match, against Middlesbrough FC’s Reserves, takes place on Tuesday, November 2.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

The first competitive Northern League Division One match, against South Shields, kicks off on Tuesday, November 9. For tickets and matchday information, go to bishopafc.com

* PICTURED WITH SIR JOHN HALL AS Bishop Auckland’s stadium is opened are, from left, Councillor Mac Williams, chairma Durham County Council, Councillor Rob Yorke, Mayor of Bishop Town Council Lesley Zair, Pauline Adams, Durham County Council chairman’s consort, Terry Jackson, chairman of Bishop Auckland Football Club and Sir John Hall