The start of construction of a new £750,000 sports hall at Ripon Grammar School has been marked with a turf cutting ceremony.

The new sports hall is being built by Houseman and Falshaw based in Copgrove following a campaign to raise £1m, covering the cost of the sports hall and a £250,000 Astroturf surface.

The fund-raising campaign, Adding Sporting Excellence, has been supported by more than 250 businesses and individuals from across the Ripon area.

Features of the new hall will include a climbing wall and cricket nets and the school will use it for a wide range of sports, including netball, five-a-side football, hockey, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball and tennis. The facilities will also be available for local clubs outside school hours.

Headmaster Martin Pearman said: “I am delighted that Houseman and Falshaw have been awarded the contract.  I look forward to working with them over the coming months to provide a great facility for the school and community.”

The sports hall is due to be completed at the end of August.