Excited pupils at a primary school in West Oxfordshire celebrated the grand opening of a new astropitch with the help of a special guest.

Last Friday, MP Robert Courts helped children of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Carterton to cut the ribbon at this much awaited event.

The artificial turf provides students with a new space where they can comfortably play sports like football, basketball and cricket.

Read more: Shopper feels "blessed" to be a part of the Wantage community after a kind deed

Cheryl MacLennan, the school’s Deputy Head explained that during the winter, sometimes the children cannot go out to play because of the muddy condition of the garden.

The astropitch, continued Ms MacLennan, has helped to eliminate those problems. She said: “We feel so lucky. This is an incredible asset for our school."

In addition to this, according Ms MacLennan, having a space like this, where pupils can get involved in so many activities, can help them to develop their social skills.

Students, like head deputy girl Izzy feel very proud of their school.

She said: “It is very exciting. Playing on the concrete can be dangerous, and then on the grass its normally very muddy, especially in winter. Now we have a good place to do all sports."

The school principal, Lisa Smith, has been praised for her efforts to get the funds to make this possible.

MP Robert Courts was 'immensely impressed' by the enthusiasm of the children. He said: "I am particularly pleased to see the new astroturf which will enable the school to make even more use of the amazing outdoor space that they have in all weathers. And massive congratulations to the whole teaching team and to the parents who have made this whole possible."

-

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok

Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here

List an event for free on our website here