CHAMPION archer and Olympic hopeful Nicky Hunt was yesterday on hand to open a new �1.3million school sports centre.

The new sports education centre at Thurston Community College near Bury St Edmunds has cost �1.3million to build.

The extension to the existing hall was yesterday opened by 25-year-old Ms Hunt, who is a Commonwealth champion archer and plans to represent the UK in London 2012.

College principal Helen Wilson said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Nicky Hunt here today to officially open our new Sports Education Centre. We aim to ensure that the facility is widely used by both the College and its community.

The two new sports suites will provide much needed areas for the teaching and learning of the theoretical aspects of the PE curriculum. The studios are equally perfect for use by community yoga and pilates groups. By removing the room divider this space can double up as a function room for hire to the community”.

Stefan Lewis, head of physical education at the college, said: “As part of the formal curriculum, the new facilities will boost our provision of health related fitness lessons for all students.

“They will also be encouraged to use the facilities at the Centre to enhance their enrichment opportunities outside of the curriculum”.

The centre has been built by Suffolk-based Barnes Construction. The extension will improve the facilities available both to the college and the wider community and will make the whole building accessible for disabled users.

It houses a purpose-built fitness suite boasting �70,000 worth of gym equipment donated by Lifefitness (UK) Ltd.

This will be used by students as part of their core PE programme, as well as those studying for qualifications in GCSE and A-Level PE. Community groups are able to hire all of the new facilities during the evenings and plans are in place for Saturday morning use.