MORE THAN 1,000 people enjoyed the opening of a long-awaited sports facility in Romsey, council bosses have revealed.

The brand-new Ganger Farm Sports Park finally threw open its door on Monday, September 12 after 10 years of planning and delays.

The local community enjoyed a busy evening of activities, both out on the pitches and in the state-of-the-art exercise studio, where the Yoga and Pilates trial classes proved a hit.

The opening event, which was scaled down due to Her Majesty the Queen's death, was host to several clubs giving demonstrations and running free sessions for residents to join in and have a go.

Those involved were Romsey Rugby Club, Braishfield Bees, Romsey Town Youth FC, Romsey Hockey Club, Romsey Road Runners and, coming soon, the Romsey Park Run.

Romsey Hockey Club members were particularly pleased to have played their first matches at their new home on Saturday, September 17.

Previously the hockey club had been using Romsey School as its main base, meaning teams had to travel to a local pub for post-match socials.

Vice chair Stuart Robertson said: “What’s really attractive to us is that we can play, shower, have teas and watch the following matches from the balcony all at the same venue. Which should attract new members but also retain members.

“As a club we’re always wanting to move forward and Ganger Farm represents the next step for Romsey Hockey Club.

"It’s been fantastic to see so many people come down and try hockey for the first time and there’s been a real buzz around the new facilities. We’re really impressed by the quality of the sports park and are so excited about what the next few years could bring for us as a club.”

The Ganger Farm Sports Park is part of the 275-home Kings Chase development between Romsey and Braishfield.

Test Valley Borough Council took ownership of the pavilion in August following 'snagging' delays at the hands of developers.

Since then, the authority has been hard at work to ensure it was open for business in time for the winter sports season.

The new sports pavilion isn’t yet fully complete, with Romsey Rugby Club still waiting to officially move in.

Leisure and Community Portfolio Holder, Cllr David Drew, said: "It was great to see such a hive of activity on the opening day. It is a wonderful new community facility that looks set to be popular with families and provide a fantastic hub for a variety of local sports clubs and activities.”

Ganger Farm Sports Park is a new facility which is home to adult and junior football pitches, rugby pitches and an astro-turf.

The pavilion includes changing rooms, bar facilities, studio space and balconies that overlook the pitches, and will be host to regular fixtures, training and weekly Parkruns.

It was built for the Romsey community and is owned and managed by Test Valley Borough Council.

For more information on hiring the rooms or pitches go to testvalley.gov.uk/gangerfarm