PLAYING fields which have been undergoing a two year transformation were officially opened today with a football tournament.

The work at Blacksnape playing fields is the culmination of the effort from local football clubs, Blackburn with Darwen's Football Development Group and the Lancashire Football Association.

Nine full size football pitches, a new drainage system, together with pitch improvement work and a new changing pavilion have been included in the refurbishment.

The new pavilion has been hailed for having the best changing facilities in the borough with each changing room having its own shower area.

Blacksnape councillor Julie Slater said the facilities were "absolutely fantastic".

She added: "I've had a tour round and it's fantastic for young and adults from across the borough."

It has taken several years to put the funding in place and for the work to start.

The Football Foundation gave £525,600 to the project, topped up by £100,500 from Section 106 funds from housing developers and £130,800 from Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Coun Michael Law-Riding, the council's executive member for leisure and culture, said: "This extremely popular facility is used by local people and regional football teams throughout the year.

"The old pavilion was dilapidated, and during bad weather the pitches were so badly waterlogged that some matches had to be cancelled, so I'm delighted to be opening this newly refurbished facility."

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: "This development will really open up access to sport for local people of all ages and help them to stay fit and healthy. "Congratulations should go to Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council and key local stakeholders.

"The Lancashire FA have also been key to helping us make this new sports site a reality, as has the contributions of our funding partners - the Premier League, The Football Association and Government."