The North Wales Indoor Athletics Centre at Deeside College has been officially opened by former hurdler, Colin Jackson.

Deeside College, in Connah’s Quay, submitted its application to site the regional centre in 2001, but planning difficulties resulted in lengthy delays.

Chair of the Sports Council for Wales (SCW), Philip Carling also attended the opening event and urged the local community to take advantage of the new facilities which include; a six-lane 60m running straight; jumping area; pole vault; throwing cages and new changing rooms.

The project also included the refurbishment of the existing sports hall, with new equipment and spike-resistant floor added.

SCW invested £1.5m of Lottery money in the centre through SportLot, with the college funding a further £500,000.

Phil Banning, director of coaching and performance at the Athletics Association of Wales, said that the centre would act as a centre of excellence for coach education.

Sue Sayer, chair of the North Wales Athletics Board added: “This is a first rate facility for the local community and is a huge asset for developing athletics in the area.”