The new term at Ysgol Greenhill started with celebrations after it was announced that funding had been agreed that will see a new all-weather sports pitch built on the Tenby secondary school’s site.

The new pitch will be used by the school in the day and be available for the local community to use at evenings, weekends and in school holidays.

The Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr. David Simpson was joined by Tenby South County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall to inform the school of the good news.

Headteacher, Mr. David Haynes, said: “This is a tremendous boost for the school and an expression of confidence in the progress that is being made here. Greenhill pupils deserve the best and I am grateful for the help we have had to get this agreed.”

Cllr. Skyrme-Blackhall explained that the new surface would be suitable for football and rugby and would be a major boost not only for the school but for the local community too.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting this funding and I am delighted that Tenby is going to get facilities to match those around the county. This is great news for our school and our local sporting community,” she remarked.

The grant, totalling £364,000, has been agreed with the Football Association of Wales. It will replace the outdated and worn astroturf with a new 3rd generation all weather pitch. The pitch will be suitable for playing all levels of football, junior rugby, and adult rugby training, including full contact training.

Leader of Pembrokeshire Council, Cllr David Simpson, said: “In difficult financial times, it is so important that we are able to secure external funding and grants for much of what we want to do.

“I want to congratulate all those who have worked to secure this money and this investment into Tenby.”

A new ‘Sports Forum’ for Tenby has recently being formed, bringing together all clubs, organisations and associations to work together to promote sport, campaign for better facilities and help increase participation in sport.

The Chairman of the Forum, Mrs Angie Nicholls commented: “We desperately need improved facilities here in Tenby and this will be welcomed by all Tenby sports groups.”

It is hoped that the work to construct the new pitch can be carried out during the summer holidays and that the new pitch will be operational for the autumn term.