THE first part of the £2.4m redevelopment of land at the County Ground opened for business yesterday.

Swindon Town FC Community Foundation's new 4G sports pitch were given a test run by youngsters from its partner school Drove Primary.

Sixty pupils enjoyed sporting activities, games and played full-sized football matches on the new pitch, to mark its opening.

PE teacher Drove Primary Kelly Reynolds said: “It’s just brilliant for these children to get the chance to come here.

"For some of them it is the first time they have had the opportunity to use a pitch like this.”

The park, between the County Ground and Swindon Harriers Athletics Club, is part of a major project.

When building is complete, there will be a community club pavilion housing changing rooms, a café, offices, and a first-floor multi-use room with balconies.

Drove Primary will use the park for their PE lessons as well as afterschool clubs every week.

“Being able to come here and use this pitch is going to open up so much more for what these pupils will be able to achieve,” Mrs Reynolds added.

“The children were all super excited when we told them they were coming ,” said Abby Picton, a Year 2 teacher.

“Drove is all about giving opportunities to children that they wouldn’t otherwise get. So it’s just fantastic to be able to come here,” she added.

“Some of these children have never played matches with real goals before, or know what playing on a full-sized pitch is like,” said Mrs Reynolds.

“They have all really enjoyed themselves. ‘The best day ever’ was I think the best quote we had from one of the pupils.”

Plans for the new park go back 15 years to when the foundation started a facilities fund, raising £600,000 towards it.

Jon Holloway, head of the community foundation said: “It’s just amazing to see the park completed.

"So much hard work has gone into this, and now it’s just great to see the young people out enjoying the pitch under the floodlights of the main stadium. We’re just over the moon to see it all completed.”

The park is an all-weather pitch, and will be able to be used all year. It will be fully up and running for the community to use from the beginning of June.