OLYMPIC sailing gold medal winner Paul Goodison opened a £1.9million state-of-the-art sports hall and extended teaching area at Wellington’s Court Fields Community School yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

Until now pupils have had to travel off-site to access sports facilities, but the new development will allow them to enjoy badminton, basketball, indoor tennis and cricket on their school doorstep.

Somerset County Council has invested £1.6million in the facilities, which were handed over on the first day of the new term. The other funding has come from the school’s budget.

The development includes a conference room, storage space, physiotherapy and treatment rooms, and new teaching spaces for pupils with Special Educational Needs.

Where possible the construction has made use of sustainable technologies, incorporating solar panels and toilets flushed with rain-harvested water.

Court Fields head teacher Elaine Faull told the County Gazette: “Having a sports hall has been one of our main priorities for the past ten years.

“Due to the dedication of councillors, governors, staff and students, we’re delighted that funding was made possible from the local authority.”

Andrew Govier, county councillor for Wellington, said: “This is one of my greatest achievements as a county councillor.

“I’ve worked with the school for a number of years on this project and I’m delighted that the building’s now ready for the school to use.

“The facility will not only provide the school with a much needed sports hall, but excellent SEN facilities. I’m sure existing pupils and future generations will derive great pleasure from it.”

Taunton’s MP Jeremy Browne said: “I visited the new sports centre at Court Fields with the Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, a few months ago and it’s a fantastic facility.

“The centre is a great asset for Wellington, and will encourage students at Court Fields to develop their sporting potential and achieve the benefits of maintaining their physical best.

“I hope Paul Goodison will inspire a young person from Wellington to aim for similar glory and possibly even represent Britain in the 2012 games.”