A secondary school in Redditch has proudly announced the opening of a new sports pitch in memory of a "beloved" teacher who passed away. 

Trinity High School officially unveiled its state-of-the-art 3G football pitch in a special ceremony on Thursday, May 9. 

The new facility has been created in tribute to Paul Rickard who was a cherished teacher at the school and a passionate football coach. 

The opening of the pitch was attended by governors, P&E Sports, Trinity High School staff and members of the Rickard family, including Paul's wife, Ann Rickard, who cut the ribbon. 

Nigel Ford, headteacher at Trinity High School, said: "The Paul Rickard Pitch is not only a tribute to a beloved teacher but also shows our commitment to physical education and community engagement. 

"We believe that the integration of school PE, extracurricular activities and community sports can significantly enhance the physical health and social skills of our pupils whilst also opening doors for community members to engage and interact." 

The Paul Rickard Pitch is set to become a hub of football training and matches in the area with the school forming partnerships with Kingfisher Ladies FC and Redditch United FC. 

The teams will use the pitch for training and match-day activities with PitchPower hosting their leisure league on Monday evenings. 

David Phelan, managing director of P&E Sports, who recently took over the management of school lettings, said: "Our partnerships with local clubs create a vibrant community space that is accessible to everyone. 

"This pitch will serve as a cornerstone for promoting sports and wellness within Redditch, encouraging active participation from all age groups."

The school said it is now excited to see the positive impact the new pitch will have on students and the wider community. 

For more information visit www.pandesports.com