The community of Ponteland and its surrounding areas are now able to benefit from a new multi-million school and leisure complex.

The £43m campus sees a nursery, primary and secondary school all on the same site, alongside a state-of-the art leisure centre, a café, sports bar and a library.

Speaking after opening the school’s doors for the first time on Tuesday, Ponteland High School headteacher Kieran McGrane said he had anticipated the completion of the project since July 2016.

He added: “The wait has certainly been worth it as the secondary school is magnificent and will be a wonderful environment for our students and staff.”

The complex, which houses a 1,600-pupil secondary school, a 420-pupil primary school, and a 52-place nursery, has been hailed as one of the first of its kind in the country and one of Northumberland County Council’s largest ever capital programmes.

Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member responsible for children’s services said the facility would benefit children, young people and their families for years to come.

“It is important that our children and young people grow up with opportunities, are happy and safe, and have access to learning and leisure provision such as these,” Coun. Renner-Thompson said.

“To have them on their doorstep is without doubt an incredible benefit for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

“An educational offering such as this in the community of Ponteland will bring benefits of its own, giving local children and young people access to outstanding learning facilities from the earliest opportunity.”

The opening of the leisure centre will be postponed until Government lockdown restrictions are eased and leisure centres can reopen.