A TURF-cutting ceremony marked the start of work on a state-of-the-art community sports complex at Dyson Perrins CE High School.

As Malvern Hills District Council chairman Val Myatt and Worcestershire County Council chairman Derek Prodger dug the first sod, contractors stood ready to get the £1.3 million project under way.

The existing sports hall and gym will be refurbished and incorporated into the new centre, which will feature changing facilities, a reception area and a fitness suite.

Deputy headteacher Tim Hill said: "This is a very forward thinking move that will ensure our already very good facil-ities become absolutely excellent,"

Coun Myatt believes the effort put into the project by the school and both councils will prove more than worthwhile.

"This ceremony is the easy bit, the hard work has gone on before and will continue afterwards," she said.

When MHDC ward councillor Serena Croad was elected nearly four years ago, the sports hall was one of the first things for which she campaigned.

"It's crucial for young people to have something to do in the evenings and weekends and this will be a huge benefit to the school and to the community," she said.

The project is scheduled for completion in November.