A MEON Valley village has a new all-weather sports pitch after its official opening by former Pompey footballer Linvoy Primus.

Pupils from Wickham Primary School joined Linvoy, headteacher Maria Ackland, city councillor Angela Clear and the Pompey club mascot.

The floodlit facility at the school which cost £170,000 will be used by local children during the day and the general public and will address a shortfall of facilities in the village.

It was supported by the parish council and Wickham Community Association.

Wickham Primary School headteacher Maria Ackland said: "The all weather sports pitch will provide an amazing sports facility for the children of Wickham. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wickham Parish Council and Wickham Community Association to improve the sports facilities in our locality and look forward to using the new pitch to promote healthy life choices for our children and their families."

Parish Clerk Nicki Oliver added: "In the last three years we have secured over £360,000 in grants which has helped us to provide an extension to the skatepark and two new tennis courts alongside this new pitch. We are celebrating 2012 with some great new facilities in our village."

Community Association Chairman Angela Clear said: "Through joint working we have secured a fantastic new asset for the school and wider community."