WINDERMERE School are celebrating after years of hard work culminated in the opening of a new state-of-the-art all-weather pitch.

Current and former pupils united to mark the occasion, playing an inaugural hockey match on the surface.

The new pitch, part of the school’s ongoing programme of improvements, is perfect for hockey, meeting the minimum standards required for National Premier Hockey competitions.

Dan Reid, Windermere School head of PE and sport, who took part in the opening game, said: “This is a fantastic new facility for the school, one which gives the students the chance to enjoy sport all year round.

“As a school, we emphasise the need for the students to lead healthy lives, whether on the sports pitch, on the lakes or on the fells, and I have no doubt that this new pitch will prove to be a real asset for the school.”

The pitch was officially opened by former student Jenny Broomby, who left the school in 2013. Her year group campaigned vigorously to make Wednesday afternoon a dedicated sports afternoon for the sixth form, something which persists to this day.

The weather on the day gave the new pitch a thorough test, as heavy overnight rain continued right up to the start of the match – which was competitive yet played in a good-natured and friendly manner.

Cheered on by enthusiastic pupils, parents and staff, the former students quickly took the lead through Richard Flint, a former England under-16s player.

The former students went into a 5-2 half-time lead, however, the current pupils fought back gallantly in the second half, levelling the scores at 6-6 with just a few minutes left to play.

It was the former students who had the last laugh, scoring late on to win the match 7-6.

Windermere School head Ian Lavender was delighted to see the new facility opened, and said: “Its was a truly uplifting occasion and one which has generated much excitement.

“Some students have travelled a long way to play in this match and seldom have I seen such good sportsmanship on the pitch.

“My thanks go to everyone who has made this possible, to the many parents who came to watch and, of course, to the catering team, for providing a superb afternoon tea following the match.

“We are committed to our programme of improvements and to see one of this size come to fruition is just wonderful.”