OLYMPIC medallist Ed Ling returned to his former school, Court Fields in Wellington, to open a £1.1 million 3G sports facility.

Trap shooter Mr Ling, from Nynehead, wore his Rio Olympics bronze medal as he cut a ribbon to declare the floodlit playing field open.

Mr Ling said he was honoured to open the facility for the school he attended until 1999.

Guests attending the opening of a 3G pitch for Court Fields School, Wellington.
Guests attending the opening of a 3G pitch for Court Fields School, Wellington. PHOTO: Alain Lockyer. ( )

Headteacher Polly Matthews said it had been a long time coming but in the end it was built in just 12 weeks once funding and planning permissions were in place.

Ms Matthews was thrilled with the new facility, which would be a brilliant addition for the whole community to use.

She said: “We cannot wait to get the children on the pitch and already have lots of bookings coming through from local clubs.”

The opening was attended by Wellington MP Gideon Amos, town mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd, and representative of sports clubs and funding organisations.