PLANS to construct a 12-acre multi-use sports facility at St Martins School were officially launched this week.

The plans, which have been put together jointly by the school, St Martins Parish Council and St Martins Football Club, have been able to go ahead thanks to the donation of land from Iain Hill-Trevor's Brynkinalt Estate.

Planning permission has already been approved for the development, which will see a 3G pitch, cricket pitch and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) constructing in the fields adjacent to the school.

On Wednesday, October 13, Mr Hill-Trevor handed over the land for the new development, at a ceremony held at the school.

Cutting the ribbon, he said he was excited to see work unfold.

He said: "These pitches will be used to remember [late councillor] John Stevens' contribution to the community.

"He obviously served the community for a very long time in a number of different ways, and his knowledge and way round, or way though, the planners certainly helped get where [the partnership] wanted to be today.

"I hope that the construction goes smoothly, and I hope that Brynkinalt and the community can keep talking during the construction phase to make sure that we can help each other to do that.

"I just wish you all the best of luck, I think it's really exciting and I wonder how many other schools have got the ability to expand with 12 acres of playing fields to come their way.

"I hope the village of St Martins grabs it by the horns and runs with it."

Helen Williams, chairman of St Martins Parish Council added that she was delighted to see the project get off the ground.

She said: "This is exactly what the village wants.

"We are looking to add to the school, and this will improve St Martins and the local area."

St Martins Football Club will also use the proposed development, something club treasurer Andy Joseph will benefit the club and the community for years to come.

"This has been in the making for several years," said Andy.

"There's a need for it in the community and the school has expanded heavily over the last few years.

"These facilities are going to last for generations, the school will be able to use them for the next 20 to 30 years.

"But now we have to undergo some serious fundraising, this is the point where we feel comfortable to go into the community and tell them our plans."