The facility, which is equivalent in size to a football pitch, will be floodlit and available for use by the college, schools, community groups and sports clubs.

Three sizes of playing area will be available for hire, full pitch, half-pitch or one third of the pitch.

College sports facilities manager, John MacDonald, explained: "Third generation synthetic turf is the latest development for this type of facility.

"The first generation pitches are filled with sand and are particularly painful in the event of a fall or slide tackle.

"Second generation pitches are water-based and are specifically designed for hockey.

"The third generation surface is filled with granulated rubber. It's ideal for pitch-based sports as it gives a more natural ball bounce than the previous surfaces and has playing characteristics much more like natural turf."

The college has recently signed a deal with Hull Rugby Union Football Club which will see professional and top international players coaching the college team.

Bishop Burton College