Ponteland Schools and Leisure complex opens to 2,000 pupils

The wider community will be able to use the sports facilities including a spa when coronavirus restrictions are lifted

A new £43m school and leisure complex has opened its doors to 2,000 Northumberland pupils.

The Ponteland Schools and Leisure complex includes a primary and secondary school as well as a leisure centre, pool, a library, and a café.

Northumberland Council said the "vision" was for children to have education and exercise at one site.

The leisure centre has a gym and dance rooms which will open to the community when coronavirus restrictions ease.

Leader of the county council, Glen Sanderson, said: "We thought it was the right thing to do to combine everything and make it a community hub.

"A lot of local people are involved with this - it's a genuine community effort and our hope for the children is that this is the beginning of a lifetime of use of this complex for education, health and leisure."

Northumberland Council said the "vision" was for children to have education and exercise at one site.

The county council wants local children to have lifetime use of the facilities