AS the school term drew to a close, Holyrood Academy celebrated opening a brand new state-of-the-art sports facility.

The new Artificial Turf Pitch (ATP) is worth almost £200,000 and will provide the students with a facility that can be used in all weathers.

An opening ceremony was held for the opening of the school’s new (ATP) and among those who attended were Richard Beer of Hockey England and Mayor of Chard Dave Bulmer. Mr Beer, the director of development at Hockey England, praised the pitch and the school for investing in it.

He said: “I am delighted to open this new facility today which will be a great improvement for Chard Hockey Club, Holyrood Academy and all the visiting teams and players.

“Hockey is growing in popularity since 2012 with 65 per cent more juniors in our clubs and schemes such as Back to Hockey encouraging more adults back into the sport. The success of Chard HC’s growing junior section and recent Back to Hockey scheme is testament to this.”

Cllr Bulmer and headteacher Matt Collins expressed thanks to the other contributors who helped to fund the new pitch, including South Somerset District Council and Chard Hockey Club.

Matt Collins said, “The pitch has been a long time coming. This new £190,000 facility will greatly improve the sporting provision for our students as well as offer excellent opportunities to the local community.”