A DALTON school has officially opened its new artificial pitch.

The artificial pitch is at the Dalton Active Sports Hall (DASH) at Dowdales School and was opened last week.

The pitch is part of the DASH’s facilities and as such can be booked by community users.

The DASH management board and the school had worked hard over the years that were spent in lockdown from the coronavirus pandemic to secure the funding to enable the building of the pitch.

As a community resource the funding has come from local businesses and from funding bids.

Dowdales School’s headteacher Emma Aubrey said: “We would like to thank all of those involved; Dowdales School and the local community appreciate it.

“We were very pleased and honoured that the team from Barrow Raiders Community Foundation could come and open the pitch officially by working with two local primary schools; this meant the occasion had a true community feel and all had a fabulous time.

“A massive thank you to all those local businesses that have supported this venue, you have made the difference.”

The pitch has already proved popular with the community and it is already booked out throughout the evenings and the weekends.

It is used by youngsters and adults alike and accommodates both rugby and football.

A spokesman from Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation said: “Team Advantage! had the fantastic opportunity to help with the official opening of Dowdales School new artificial pitch - a truly outstanding facility!

“We were able to coach groups of year four and five students from both Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School and Dalton St Mary's CofE Primary School, both of which were excellent.

“Huge thank you for having us, and congratulations on such a wonderful new addition - we had a blast!”