FRESH faces and brand new buildings are leading Alcester Grammar School into a new academic year.

forward to new challenges.

The Birmingham Road school's eagerly awaited new sports development is finally up and running after a year of construction work.

Newly appointed sports hall manager Robert Wells, of Oakenshaw South, Redditch, said he is looking forward to making his mark on the new facility, which will soon be open to the community.

Among his community sports ventures, Mr Wells, 23, will be setting up youngsters' trampolining, netball, gymnastics and football sessions.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge and was enthusiastic about making the sports hall a success for both the school and the Alcester community.

"It's a rare opportunity to start something from the beginning and, although I'm young, I'm very determined and enthusiastic," he said.

An equally enthusiastic headteacher, Iain Blaikie, said the new sports hall had lifted the school's morale and the atmosphere was "buzzing".

He said: "During our last school inspection we were told we needed to expand our facilities.

"We've now done that and the results are all we've ever dreamed of."

The school is also home to a new three-storey teaching block and study centre and a performing arts suite with tiered seating.

Mr Blaikie said a number of community arts and sports groups had already showed an interest in using the school's new facilities.

He said: "We're really hoping to build on our links with the community and with other schools, so that everyone enjoys the benefits."

Anyone interested in seeing what the sports hall has to offer and meeting sports hall manager Robert Wells can attend an open day this Saturday from 9am-2pm.