RAF Brize Norton, in Carterton, has installed new astro turf to replace old and under-used tennis courts.

The multi-purpose facility, next to the officers’ mess, was opened by Group Captain Eddie Cole last Thursday.

He said: “This facility is a leap ahead of the old astro turf where you would take half your leg off when you went in for a sliding tackle. By encouraging more people into sport by providing good facilities such as this, personnel can be better prepared for the Royal Airforce Force Fitness Test.”

The facility can be either two five-a-side pitches or one seven-a-side pitch.