South Wiltshire athletes can now compete and train on a first-class facility, after work to improve the athletics track at South Wilts Grammar School was completed on October 3.

The work include track resurfacing and improved layout for field events, compliant with current UK athletics standards. Disability access, a discus cage and electrical supply to the finish line are part of the upgrade.

Although part of the school, the facilities are available for the community and the home of City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club.

The work was financed by Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council and Salisbury Area Board. The school provided the land for the track and City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club contributed towards the cost.

Michelle Chilcott, Headteacher at South Wilts Grammar School, said: “The improved athletics track ensures pupils benefit from high quality sports facilities, but it also highlights our commitment to supporting our local community by making facilities available to the public and local clubs.”

Dave Amey, President of City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club, said: “We can’t wait to return to this super new track and to use it to the full. There’s no doubt it will be a great benefit to newcomers to running as well as our members, who’ve tripled in number in the past couple of years.”

“The club has just been promoted to the top tier of the Southern Athletics League, which is a huge feather in our cap, and I’m optimistic that replacement of the track will enable us to build on this success.”

Pictured: City of Salisbury young athletes (L to R ) Georgia Clarke, Josh Taylor and Amelia Lewis backed by Karen Mundell, Hillary Angell, Cllr Ricky Rogers, Cllr John Thomson, Mayor of Salisbury John Walsh, Chris Child, Michelle Chilcott and Louise Cary at the track on the day work began.