AFTER a huge fundraising effort from students and the local community, Fairfield Farm’s new sports facility is open and ready for use.

The games area, created by Bradford-on-Avon company Different by Design, will feature a football pitch, tennis court and basketball hoop, giving students a chance to hone their sporting talents.

It was opened on Friday by Westbury’s community engagement manager, Liam Cripps, Wiltshire councillor, Jerry Wickham, and Olympic torchbearer Rachel Bown.

Principal Tina Pagett said: “When I started here over a year ago and asked the student council what they would like at the college, the first thing they said was a football pitch.

“Since then, students have been playing on a field near the school with goalposts they made in lessons, but this new pitch will provide a far better facility for them to play football and other sports on.

“Our students don’t always have the confidence to access their local leisure facilities so by having one at the college, it will increase their confidence and prepare them for their transition into adulthood.

“Sport can have such a beneficial impact on someone’s confidence levels, as well as overall wellbeing and fitness, so we want sport and leisure to be a big part of the curriculum.

“We purposefully worked with a local company to build this pitch as we wanted it to be a fully community-focused project. Different by Design have been absolutely brilliant and deserve huge praise.”

The £75,000 needed to design and build the pitch was raised predominantly through the college’s popular horse and dog show, legacy donations and tips left in the cafe.

Mrs Pagett added: “We must say a huge thank you to the community for their generosity. Without it, this brilliant facility would not have been possible.”

From September, the school is hosting the ‘Inclusive Sports for Wiltshire’ programme, led by Trowbridge triathlete Rachel Bown.

Mr Cripps said: “It’s fantastic to see this new area in use for the students at Fairfield Farm. This is an incredible facility that will enhance not only their leisure time but also the learning experiences at the college.

“I’m delighted to see such a wonderful addition to not only the college but to the village of Dilton Marsh and to the wider Westbury community area.”

In the meantime, the college has plans for a covered arena where students can compete in equestrian events.