a new sports initiative which will help improve Okehampton's sporting community, was unveiled this week.

Members of Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) were joined by representatives from organisations who helped fund the project, as well as BBC Radio Devon presenter Matt Woodley for the opening of the new, all-weather pitch.

The pitch, which cost £475,000, is part of OCRA's £2.1-million sports project.

The project will act as a hub to the town, improve facilities and encourage tourism.

OCRA activity development manager Stuart Lord said he was excited to have completed phase one of the project.

He said: 'OCRA has been working for eight years to make sure the all-weather pitch would be replaced and it has been a concerted effort over the last two years to get funding.'

He said the new pitch was an essential part to the community development of sport.

'The great thing about it is we have a really good pitch and it moves us forward in so many ways.

'The all-weather pitch is key to the usage of so many sports and it's also a part of this bigger vision for the Okehampton Sport and Activity Hub.'

The majority of the funding for the pitch came from Devon County Council's proceeds from the sale of Exeter Airport, which enabled a grant of £232,000.

A further £100,000 came from Okehampton United Charities —its biggest ever grant to date — along with £50,000 from West Devon Borough Council.

Funds also came from Okehampton Town Council, which put in £1,300, Okehampton College put £75,000 into the project, and there were contributions from other funders. With phase one of the project now completed, OCRA now moves on to phase two.

Mr Lord said: 'Next is the creation of more community grass pitches, walking and fitness trails, a beach area for volley ball and other activities, and more outreach to surrounding villages.

'We hope to have this completed within the next three years. The aim of the whole project is to promote Okehampton as an area that's great to live and work in and also as a place to visit. The pitch is now ready and I'd like to encourage any groups to get in contact if they'd like to use it.'

Anyone who would like more information on how to get involved with OCRA can visit http://www.ocrasport.org.uk">www.ocrasport.org.uk

Anyone who would like to use the new all-weather pitch can phone Okehampton College on 01837 650910.