Last updated 09:57, Friday, 15 August 2008

EMMA Andrews had an extras special treat when she celebrated her birthday – she officially opened the Allendale Middle School sports hall!

Piece of cake: Emma Adams cutting the cake at the new Allendale sports hall, with school sports partnership manager Anne Hudspith, Graham Simms from NCL Tynedale, and Neil Waters, representing Allendale Middle School.

The day was organised by North Country Leisure Tynedale, Tynedale School Sport Partnership and Allendale Middle School to recognise the achievement of providing a wonderful facility for the young people and communities around Allendale.

The official cutting of a ribbon by Emma and opening of the sports hall doors before an audience of over 50 people was followed by a gymnastics display by members of the Tuesday evening club.

This in turn was followed by the cake cutting ceremony, after which parents and children were invited to select from a variety of sports activities taking place throughout the afternoon.

Trampoline, volleyball and badminton coaches were all available in the sports hall with disc sports, tennis factory, tri-golf and orienteering activities in the school grounds.

The final session of the day involved everyone enjoying the physical challenge of the ‘dance mats’ – an opportunity to develop rhythm and co-ordination for all ages!

The sports hall was funded as part of the Big Lottery PE and Sport initiative accessed by Northumberland County Council.

The bid was developed and submitted with support from staff and governors at Allendale Middle School and representatives of local sports organisations and clubs.

The sports development steering group is currently pursuing further funding to employ staff and ensure increasing access by community groups and individuals wishing to use the sports hall.

A comprehensive programme of block bookings has been established over the last 12 months with NCL gymnastics sessions (Tuesdays), Allendale Junior and senior badminton clubs (Fridays) and volleyball club (Mondays).

It is anticipated that this programme will be extended over the coming months when staffing is increased through sports college developments in partnership with Active Tynedale.

If you run a club and would like to block book the hall please ring Allendale Middle School during term time on (01434) 683214

If you would like to volunteer to support activities and / or access training to develop as a sports leader, official or coach please ring NCL Tynedale Sports Development on (01434) 613218 or the School Sport Partnership on (01434) 344331.