BUDDING David Beckhams will be able to make use of a new £15,000 community sports facility.

The 28m by 20m "cage" at Fearns High School, Booth Road, Stacksteads, has been funded through European money through a community grant from the single regeneration budget.

The cage is similar to the one used in the Nike TV advert which stars the Manchester United and England star's former teammate Eric Cantona.

Peter Heyworth, chairman of the school's premises sub committee, said: "The cage is having the final finishing touches added to it, which will be ready for the pupils use when they return back to school next week.

"All it needs now is a lick of paint and then the job will be complete. We have wanted this for sometime and we are extremely pleased with how it has turned out.

"The pupils as well as external groups will be able to make the most of the facility which has been likened to the cage seen in the TV advert which all the kids love.

"People will be able to play football, basketball, baseball, tennis, roller skating and skateboarding which will be great for everybody living in the area."

The sports facility is 28 metres by 20 metres and fully equipped with flood lighting.

The cage will be made available to pupils and bookings will be taken for private use from 8am in the morning until 10pm each night.

Mr Heyworth added: "This is fantastic news. This is an enhancement on the community ethic Fearns has promoted over the years as a community school.

"Fearns already has an outstanding reputation for its sports facilities and this is just another brilliant boost for the school."