WEST Craven's first floodlit all-weather pitch is nearing completion and the bookings are already coming in.

The pitch has been created at the Rolls-Royce sports grounds, next to a new purpose-built pavilion and changing rooms opened less than two years ago.

It is the latest addition to the comprehensive range of sports facilities at the site.

In fact, so good are the facilities that it has fuelled rumours that Burnley FC might move its training camp from its current home at Gawthorpe to the Rolls-Royce grounds at Barnoldswick.

Members of the Rolls-Royce Leisure management committee, which runs the facilities, would not be drawn on the rumours, refusing to confirm or deny them this week.

However, the new all-weather pitch must make the site an attractive proposition to any club looking for regular training facilities, especially in the winter months.

The pitch has been developed on the site of a surplus and under-used bowling green and work should be completed by early February.

Tony Bradshaw, Rolls-Royce Leisure's accountant and one of the driving forces behind the new pitch, said he hoped to launch it with a five-a-side football tournament in mid-February.

However, the floodlit pitch is not just for football, but can be used for a wide range of sports and it will be a true community facility, open to all.

"This is the first facility of its type in the area and it will be fully open to the general public," said Tony.

James Sharpe, the management committee's treasurer, added: "We're already taking bookings from local clubs and teams wanting to use the all-weather pitch and we're confident it will be well used.

"If there is sufficient demand, there is room to develop a second all-weather pitch alongside this one."

The all-weather surface comprises artificial turf laid onto a rubber composite material, giving a realistic feel.

Other facilities at the site include pitches for football, rugby and cricket, tennis courts, bowling greens, a well-equipped gym and leisure and bar facilities at the Rolls-Royce Leisure Club.

Teams interested in using the all-weather pitch don't have to be connected to Rolls-Royce and are invited to contact the Rolls-Royce Leisure office on 818826 to go and see the pitch for themselves, or to make a booking. Fees range from £17.50 to £22.50 per hour, including use of the changing and shower facilities in the adjacent pavilion.

In the meantime, any teams interested in taking part in the five-a-side football tournament can ring Tony on 818826 to register their interest.