DEVON's newest sports venue and only full-time table tennis centre will be officially opened in Okehampton on April 28.
Two of England's top international players Alan Cook and Alan Perry will be taking part in an exhibition match at the venue in Castle Road, which has been built with funding from the National Lottery and Foundation for Sports and Arts.
The £250,000 centre has been designed specifically to stage table tennis events and is expected to be one of the country's premiere venues for the sport.
The facility comprises a versatile main hall which can accommodate eight courts to county standard or provide an arena for national and international matches.
There is also a practice room with a further two table tennis tables, one of which has a robot ball machine to assist with coaching and training.
In addition, there is a spectator viewing area and a large male and female changing room with shower facilities.
To celebrate the opening of The Riverside Centre, Okehampton table tennis club has organised an afternoon and evening of activities to introduce the venue and its facilities to local people.
Members of the public are invited to visit the centre from 3pm onwards and can have a free go at table tennis.
Local players and coaches will be on hand to offer coaching and advice.
The official opening ceremony will be performed by the Mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh.
The day's main event will be the exhibition match at 7.30pm between Alan Cook, who is currently ranked as England's number three and a former Commonwealth champion and Alex Perry, the 'local boy' from Exeter who is ranked at number five.
Club spokesman Geoff Davis said this was an international class venue which would put Okehampton on the map.
'I have recently moved from Berkshire where table tennis is very popular and they have nothing like this,' said the experienced player.
'It is certainly the finest table tennis centre in the South West of England.'
An eight week grand prix event will begin next month which will be open to all players across the Westcountry.
Junior and adult table tennis coaching will run and the venue will be available to sports clubs and businesses to hire.
For further information contact Geoff Davis on 07958 322201.
l The new centre has just been donated £700 from the EX20 Lottery to purchase two additional tables.