A new £1.7m sports facility has been officially opened to parents, pupils and the community around an Oxfordshire school.

The state-of-the-art fitness suite at Bartholomew School in Witney Road, Eynsham, has been put to good use since September when it replaced a "dire" sports centre which staff and pupils felt was embarrassing the school.

But it wasn't until Friday, when the man whose vision inspired the facility got to officially open it. Plans for a new sports centre were originally mooted 18 years ago by then headteacher Bill Berry.

Building work only began last year when funding was secured from The Big Lottery Fund, Sports England, Oxfordshire County Council and Eynsham Parish Council.

Part of the centre is named the Berry Hall in recognition of the former head's hard work and his keen interest in squash and golf.

New facilities include a fully equipped 30 station gym, a new four court sports hall, new reception and changing areas and a lift to ensure full disabled access to the upper floor.

A deal between the school and West Oxfordshire District Council also saw the creation of a fitness suite which is available for use by members of the public.

Year 13 student Liz Riley, 17, said: "It is great. The gym upstairs is really good.

"My friends all love it. We use the sports hall at lunch time and use the gym after school.

"The old sports hall was awful really. The basketball hoops did not have nets on and it was a bit embarrassing when you had home games."

PE teacher Milly Clements, who is also a former pupil at the school, added: "The old sports facilities were very dark and not very inviting.

"The new centre is absolutely fantastic and the kids absolutely love it. It is totally different, the teaching is so much more productive."

Headteacher Andrew Hamilton said: "The old facilities were dire, and not pleasant to work in.

"This is a fantastic facility which is going to make an excellent school even better."