A new £950,000 outdoor sports facility for Holy Cross High School was given a star-studded launch.

Chorley boxing sensation and former pupil Michael Jennings cut the ribbon to open the floodlit all-weather surface playing area at the Burgh Lane school.

Pupils, teachers and VIP guests assembled for the launch party prevailed as music was played followed by a display of sports skills.

Former British welterweight champion Jennings said he was delighted to return to his former school.

He said: "This is a great facility and I'm hoping that it will mean plenty more Chorley sporting success in the future."

As well as being used for school activities the area will be available for members of the public to book for a variety of sports from March 27.

The site and changing facilities will be open weekends and from 5.30pm to 9.30pm each weekday.

Headteacher Wendy White said: "The sports pitch will be an invaluable resource for all our pupils and to the Chorley community.

"I would particularly like to thank former head Tony Charnock who had the original visionWe have also had so much support from Sport England and Chorley Borough Council in bringing our plans to reality."