Rugby star goes back to school

AFTER years of fighting for a place for pupils to play outdoors, a Lees primary school has delivered in style and invited a very special former pupil along for the occasion.

Rugby league legend and Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield opened the new St Agnes CE Primary School pitch on Knolls Lane, which has been half-funded by a Sport England grant and half by the school’s fund-raising efforts.

Also in attendance were Councillor Val Sedgwick and Arch Deacon Cherry Van. The school had been trying for years to secure an area for pupils to play sport. The 3G pitch can now be used by pupils for a range of sports including football, netball, rounders and rugby.

Laura Lees, foundation governor at St Agnes and a former pupil, said: “For years now there’s simply been nowhere to really play outdoors.

“It was the same when I was there. The school knew something needed to be done and after years of raising funds we now have somewhere for pupils to play.

“It was great for Kevin Sinfield to come along. It was great for the kids to see a former pupil who has done so well. Pupils could not wait to get on the pitch and start playing. It was fantastic to see.

“Chris Cartwright, our chair of governors, has to get a special mention. He has worked tirelessly over the years to deliver this facility. He’s done a great job.”