Youngsters were finally allowed on to the new sports field after contractors finished work and handed it over to the school.

Students given the opportunity to take part in first training session on the surface declared it "awesome".

The pitch took months to plan and construct and its availability for use was delayed slightly because of the snow in January.

PA to the headmaster Sharon Harvey said: "It is the first one of its kind in the UK to that specification, as I understand it.

"It has been open for about a week and the pupils who have used it think it is absolutely fantastic.

"The first time they go on there they bend down and touch it and some even start doing roly-polys."

She said pupils had already played football and rounders on the new surface.

"They will be doing rugby training, fitness training and softball in the coming weeks," Mrs Harvey added.

"It is an all-weather pitch so they can play rain or shine.

"We have a rolling timetable so some pupils will be experiencing it for the first time this week."

The completion of the astroturf pitch marks the end of the second phase of upgrades carried out on sporting facilities at the school.

Refurbishment work has been carried out on the sports hall and new tennis courts have been completed.

Cricket nets and wickets are expected to have been finished by the summer.

An official opening ceremony is planned once the remaining work as been done.

All facilities will be available for community hire from September.