WORLD Cup star, Trevor Sinclair, is to return to his roots to launch a new sporting facility for young people in Whitefield.

Former Mersey Drive Primary and Castlebrook High School pupil, Trevor has been invited to officially open the new "ball zone" in Whitefield Park, Stanley Road.

The facility, funded with the help of the Pilsworth Environment Company, will enable local youngsters to play football, netball and other activities within the confines of the park.

And after a long hard struggle to create the ball zone, which also incorporates a car park for park users, it was decided a high profile yet local celebrity should help cut the ribbon next week.

Coun Pam Walker explained that around three years ago Bury Council wanted to sell the land for development but were prevented from doing so as the land had a covenant on it which restricted it to leisure use for the local community.

Despite trying to have the covenant lifted, a 900-name petition stopped the local authority in their tracks and they abandoned any plans to sell the land.

Coun Walker said: "It was a victory for people power and this new ball zone is to finally say we have done it. It is a facility for local children and for that reason we want as many as possible to come down on the opening day.

The West Ham player, whose sisters still live in Conisborough Place, Whitefield, was a surprise hit in the England team when he was flown out to Japan as a last-minute replacement.

He will be at the park on Wednesday, August 21 from 2pm.