Plans for an Oxfordshire school to become a centre of excellence for badminton have been welcomed by sports clubs in the area.

As reported in the Oxford Mail earlier this month, King Alfred's Community and Sports College in Wantage, is the county's first Badminton Academy - making it a focus for the development of the sport.

And local clubs and schools will benefit from the decision by Badminton England.

The school was granted the status because of its commitment to promoting the sport in schools and the community.

It is only the second school in the South East to be chosen as an academy.

Nicki Gilder, badminton development officer for Oxfordshire, said: "It will have a huge impact on the community - it's a huge plus.

"The school is already forging links with local schools and clubs and this will radiate out into the county, so it becomes a hub for the sport's development."

The school has appointed Danny Taylor, a specialist badminton coach, and said plans for nine badminton courts, on the school's West Site, were being developed.

Carolyn Murphy, the school's partnership development manager, said: "It's brilliant news, everyone has worked so hard.

"We're committed to the development of badminton, both within the college and across the county, with King Alfred's being the hub site from which this will happen."

Peter Stepney, of Oxford Badminton Club, said: "Anything which supports the sport and encourages young people to get involved is brilliant.

"More clubs will probably base themselves there and it will be an excellent facility for matches."

Kate Guest, match secretary of Wantage Badminton Club, said: "I hope it will mean a secure future for our club, because we were playing at St Mary's School, which closed down."

Clubs interested in helping to develop the sport are being invited to a meeting at the college's West Site, in Challow Road.

The meeting is on Thursday, December 6, at 7.30pm.