Sporty youngsters welcomed guests to celebrate work underway on the superb new all-weather sports pitch at Auchinleck Academy.

The Council is constructing the new floodlit synthetic grass pitch to FIFA one star football quality. It will be used for 11-a-side football games, or as two seven-a-side pitches. The pitches will also be able to cater for hockey – and the facilities will be open for both community and school use.

Contractors Heron Brothers are due to complete mid-November. Arrangements are currently in place to ensure there is as little disruption as possible to the school day for pupils.

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Work has also commenced on a similar pitch at Loudoun Academy in Galston.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: "This project represents yet another positive step in our continuing programme to provide high quality sports facilities for schools and communities.

"We are investing in the best of facilities at Auchinleck Academy – a full-size floodlit pitch with a high-grade 3G/FIFA one star surface that can be used for a range of sports, but particularly for football. The pitch will be available for both school and community use and will be managed outside school hours by the Council’s Leisure Services team."

(CD)