A ‘REAL community effort’ has delivered a refurbished sports facility in Otley.

Work on the £22,000 revamp of Prince Henry’s Grammar School’s Pavilion changing rooms, at Wharfemeadows Playing Fields, began in May.

Otley Town Mayor Councillor Mary Vickers cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the new-look venue open last Thursday, October 4.

The building - also available to the wider community - has been upgraded and had a new roof installed as part of a drive to improve sporting facilities across town.

The revamp was supported by grants from Otley Town Council and the National Lottery Awards for All while parents and sports clubs helped with the painting.

Local firms also donated materials and local contractors worked alongside the school’s Site Team.

Prince Henry’s Headteacher Janet Sheriff said: “This really has been a community effort to improve this facility for the community.

“The support from Otley Town Council and the National Lottery is an invaluable resource and the way local clubs and businesses, parents and carers - and Sports Chevin - have rallied round has been lovely.

“We are looking forward to our students and visiting teams being able to use the Pavilion in comfort and to clubs getting in touch about playing at Wharfemeadows.”

About 150 young people, including students and members of Otley Town Junior FC, Otliensians Ladies Hockey and Sports Chevin, cheered on the opening.

Other guests included Richard Davies from Sports Chevin, Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) and Mayor’s Consort Jim Spencer.

Mr Davies said: “This is a prime example of the value of partnership working.

“The overall provision and quality of sports facilities in Otley does not meet the needs of the community.

“We have relaunched Sports Chevin as a partnership of several key local sports clubs, Prince Henry’s and local councillors with the aim of developing new, high quality playing and training facilities.

“Our plan is to develop these incrementally, starting with a number of smaller sites and working towards the creation of a central sporting hub at the eastern edge of town.”

Local clubs interested in hiring the Wharfemeadows Playing Fields and Pavilion should contact Pippa McPherson at Prince Henry’s on (01943) 463524.