A new £1.8m 3G sports pitch and pavilion has officially opened at Banbridge High School in County Down following completion of works by Haffey Sports Grounds Ltd.

The facility, which was designed by AECOM, includes a full size 3G synthetic pitch complete with floodlighting, fencing and a changing pavilion.

The project is funded through £1.6m investment from ABC Council and Department for Communities through the Your School Your Club initiative, with funding of £225,000 distributed through Sport NI.

Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons joined Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy, in officially opening the impressive facility. Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy said: "This is a very positive day for everyone at Banbridge High School and also the local community who can avail of this excellent facility. Sport and exercise are so important and as a council we are delighted to be a part of this innovative partnership which is helping people stay active and healthy."

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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons added: "This new pitch and changing pavilion are welcome additions to Banbridge High School, benefitting not only the pupils but sports teams in the wider community. I am keen to see young people participating in a range of sports and I am determined that school and grassroots venues are modernised and available to more teams and groups for training and matches.

"Your School Your Club has the potential to transform school sports facilities and I hope more schools will take inspiration from Banbridge High School."

The sports pitch will be operated on a dual-use basis; Banbridge High School using the pitch during the day and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council managing the facility for community use in the evenings and weekends.