TAVISTOCK College's new sports facilities are to be officially opened and showcased to the community in an open day ceremony on Saturday,

November 7.

A plaque will be unveiled to mark the opening by John Berry, chairman of Devon County Council.

Duncan Godfrey, community sports development manager, said: 'Local people are invited to test the excellent new facilities.'

A fun run will give everyone who completed the Bedford Mile to raise funds for the track the chance to try it out, and the whole Tavistock community is welcome to attend free activity taster sessions.

There will be something for every age and sporting ability — ranging from spinning, family touch rugby and fencing, to boxercise, yoga and pilates.

Supervised face painting, a bouncy castle and games will give parents the opportunity to attend sessions while their children are looked after free of charge.

Some of the best mile runners in the South West are set to battle for a £200 prize on the six-lane competition-standard athletics track. The track is open to the community and can be booked by clubs or used on a casual basis by gym members.

The new fitness suite will carry out health MoTs, fitness assessments and circuit training tasters, with the chance to take advantage of special membership offers.

Mr Godfrey added: 'Community clubs have been keen to sign up and use the high quality amenities on their doorstep.

'Many of these groups will be running stalls at the opening to make people aware of the sporting opportunities available in the town and encourage new members to join.'

Following years of working in partnership with organisations — including Kelly College, the Football Foundation, Sport England, the National Sport Foundation, Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council — Tavistock College and the Tavistock Community Sports Centre has an impressive array of facilities and equipment.

The sports hall, with its 18ft climbing wall, full size basketball court and football goals, has been joined by indoor cricket nets, a dance studio and resistance training equipment.

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