THE stunning new sporting facilities at Tavistock College were the setting for cheering crowds last Saturday, as the community sports centre and athletics track were officially declared open.

Cllr John Berry, chairman of Devon County Council, cut the ribbon marking the opening of the new track.

He also unveiled a plaque marking the occasion, as the college showcased the sports centre, with its high quality fitness suite, dance studio and all weather pitch, to the public.

He told onlookers of the huge role volunteers had in providing the community with 'marvellous' sporting opportunities, and thanked the organisations which had worked in partnership to turn the plans into reality.

Cllr Berry said: 'The facilities are excellent. It bodes well for the next generation and creates opportunities which are needed by the youth of today and the wider community. It stands as an exhibit to the rest of the county and the country.

'A big project like this is an asset not only for Tavistock but for the whole area. It draws people in – that's what partnership with the community is all about.'

Those who raised money for the six-lane, competition standard athletics track through the Bedford Mile sponsored run were given a chance to test it out, before making way for some of the best mile runners in the South West. Mike Wilsmore scooped the £200 first prize in a time of 4 minutes, 19.6 seconds.

Duncan Godfrey, community sports delivery manager, said: 'It was fantastic to see the Bedford Milers enjoying themselves on the track, after working so hard to raise money for it. The track is open to the community and can be booked by clubs or used on a casual basis by gym members.'

Local sports clubs showcased themselves as local people looked round the new centre and tried out taster sessions ranging from pilates to mini tennis.

Duncan said: 'We had lots of people come straight in and sign up without even trying the equipment because the fitness suite is such good value.

'It's a dual-use centre, so the students get to use it until 5pm, then community clubs and individuals start flowing in.

'We've now got 25-odd clubs using the centre, ranging from football to archery. Fencing has just been launched, and has been really popular.'

College principal Colin Eves gave Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, a guided tour.

Mr Cox said: 'I think the facilities are a wonderful achievement for everyone who's played a part. It's going to be a long lasting legacy for Tavistock and the local community.'

Mr Eves said the college was thrilled to officially open the centre to the public.

He said: 'It's good to see the partnership between independent schools, maintained schools, councils and the local community putting together £3-million worth of funding to provide a facility that is amongst the best in the South West. It will have an impact for generations to come.'

The opening is the culmination of years of partnership between Tavistock College and organisations including Kelly College, the Football Foundation, Tavistock Athletic Club, Sport England, the National Sport Foundation, Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council.

Tavistock Community Sports Centre can now boast the sports hall – with its 18ft climbing wall, full size basketball court, football goals and indoor cricket nets — a sprung-floor dance studio, 33-station fitness suite, multi use rooms, and fully staffed reception area.

An all-weather pitch, approved by the FA, supplements Tavistock College's grass pitches, floodlit hard courts and outdoor heated swimming pool.

The sports centre is open to the public from 7am to 8.15am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, from 5pm to 10pm every weekday, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10am to 9pm on Sundays. For information and membership rates call 01822 813238.