OAKBANK Sports College is set to build a £250,000 all-weather pitch at the school -- to provide an extra facility for the pupils and sports clubs throughout the district.

The school had been hoping for National Lottery cash to help develop the pitch, but after failing to get support for the bid they have decided to go it alone.

"The project will be financed by the school, with the help of the local community, and once it is in operation it will help generate extra income for other areas within the Sports college," said Helen Plimmer, director of sport.

Governors gave the go ahead for the project after the government re-instated the school's Sports College status. The school still has to raise £30,000 from local companies and were to launch their appeal last night during the official opening of the fitness suite.

The opening ceremony was to be performed by Bradford City star Stuart McCall and the Fitness Suite is already open to the public outside school hours.

"The AstroTurf pitch is the next stage in our plans to develop the school as a community sports complex. We hope to have the work finished by September this year so that it is ready for the influx of new year 7 and 8 pupils. I twill not only be available for soccer, but also for hockey, rugby and tennis.

"Several sports clubs have already expressed an interest in using the pitch and our recreation manager, Ian Lawrie is taking bookings for next winter's season," Helen Plimmer said.

Support from sports clubs and other local organisations played a big part in the decision to reinstate Sports College Status to the school.

"The amount of local support and lobbying by pupils, parents, staff, Governors, friends and our MP, Anne Cryer, had a significant impact. to all those people we are very grateful," Helen Plimmer said.

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