A woman who spearheaded a 46-year campaign for a new football pavilion said opening it was a dream come true.

Life president of Bicester's Bardwell Football Club, Margaret Simons, 84, was watched by more than 100 guests as she helped unveil a plaque to formally declare the £550,000 pavilion open on SaturdaySept9.

Mrs Simons said she had been waiting for the new pavilion since 1960. And seven years ago she was joined by fellow campaigners to protest at the town council offices for a pavilion to be built.

But it was not until last year's £257,000 Football Foundation grant that the project finally got the go-ahead, and building work began last August. The building boasts four changing rooms, two referees' rooms, toilets, a community room and a kitchen.

Mrs Simons said: "It's terrific. It's a good job but it was a long, long time coming. We have needed it for years and years. It's my dream come true."

She said players would no longer have to get changed in their cars and would now be able to enjoy a post-match cup of tea in the warm.

And Mrs Simons added she wanted to thank town councillor Debbie Pickford for helping to push the project forward. As well as the Football Foundation money, which is also being used to refurbish a pavilion at Skimmingdish Lane, £60,000 was given by Cherwell District Council and the rest from Bicester Town Council.

To celebrate the pavilion's opening, boys from Bardwell Football Club organised a knock-out football tournament on the site.

Chairman of Bicester Town Football Club David Simpson said: "It's a positive step for the kids' future - boys and girls - to play football in this town and hopefully be able to play for Bicester Town as they get older."

The new facilities have also prompted a shake-up for football teams across the town - with clubs no longer having home grounds and pitches being allocated according to fixtures. Town clerk Anne Wilson said: "I think it's really a milestone in the community development of football."

Anyone interest in using the pitches should call town council outdoor sports facilities officer Colin Pickup on 01869 252915.