Work on a new £550,000 multi-use games area (MUGA) at a high school in north Lanarkshire been completed.

The new all-weather ports surface has officially opened at Cardinal Newman High School.

The new sports' facilities are part of a £2 million modernisation programme at the school which includes enhanced art facilities, a new dance studio and fitness suite.

The MUGA will provide an all-weather games area for a variety of sports including 11-a-side football, three 7-a-side football pitches, hockey, six tennis courts and athletics (200m track and 100m straight). There will also be six basketball hoops.

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Councillor Frank McNally, Convener Education and former pupil of Cardinal Newman, said: "It is always a pleasure returning to my old school and I take great pride at the council's investment in this fantastic new outdoor facility, which will provide incredible opportunities for sport and health and wellbeing.

"Young people at Cardinal Newman are already making great use of this first-class facility and the investment demonstrates North Lanarkshire Council's ongoing commitment to improving sport and learning facilities for pupils in all of our schools."

Kenny Ross, Head Teacher, said: "We are delighted to finally open these magnificent sport facilities. I am sure that all the pupils and their families will be delighted at the range of sports on offer, particularly as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cardinal Newman High School this session.

"It's important that we provide quality facilities for pupils to ensure that they have the opportunity to improve their fitness and develop their talents. I am sure that this multi-sport area will be in use throughout the day. We may even see some budding sport stars coming through!"

(CD/MH)