A COMPLEX which gives a Blackpool school "probably the best sports facilities of any school in the country" was officially opened this week.

Collegiate High School's magnificent new sports hall was officially opened by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Mrs Sue Wright, with special guest Steve McMahon, manager of Blackpool FC.

Collegiate headteacher Keith Clark said: "This is the fulfilment of a dream we had ten years ago to provide young people and the community with the sports facilities that they deserve.

"Sport and health related activities are an essential part of young people's development and to be able to provide a community facility as well is an added bonus.

"I'm looking forward to seeing both young and old and those with disabilities making full use of these facilities."

In partnership with Uforia Ltd. the facilities will be open seven days a week day and evening and all year long. The sports hall will be known as SPARTACUS (Sport and Recreation Together at Collegiate's Universal Sportshall).

With easy access from Garstang Road, the building includes a full size hall for basketball, four badminton courts, indoor cricket, gymnastics and volleyball as well as a fully equipped health and fitness studio and a dance/drama studio. A bar and refreshment area will include TV for sports viewing and a sports health consultation area. The project is one of the first of the Government's Public Private Partnerships (PPP) designed to bring business funding into public service provision.

In this case, local sports providers Uforia Ltd provided £450,000 to which central government matched with £750,000 to provide the £1.2 million.

Mr Clark added: "This shows that this method of providing facilities can be successful for all parties concerned. It is a win-win situation and certainly today pupils and sports people are winners."

For the opening there was an impressive display of Collegiate's sporting talent in cricket, basketball, athletics, volleyball and table tennis.

The school's most outstanding sports performers joined the Mayor and Steve McMahon in the opening ceremony and visitors were invited to take part using the health and fitness equipment and to join the aerobic dance sessions organised by staff.