Leisure trust Freedom Leisure has secured a contract to operate the Cheriton Road Sport Ground in Folkestone, Kent.

The facility has undergone a £7.8m redevelopment and is set to open fully this month (December) as a centre of excellence for cricket, hockey and netball.

The project, which was completed in three phases, has been entirely funded by a donation from the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust with the land provided by Shepway District Council on a 125-year lease.

The facility is owned and run by The Cheriton Road Sports Ground Trust, a registered charity made up of volunteers from Folkestone Cricket Club and Optimist Hockey Club.

Freedom Leisure will manage the centre's outdoor pitches as well as indoor facilities which comprise a first class indoor sports hall, a gym and a dedicated youth area. It is Freedom Leisure's third site in Kent and the 34th site across the South East.