The sports area - which provides facilities for tennis, five-a-side-football, basketball and netball - has been provided by Leconfield Parish Council with the help of money allocated to the village for flood relief.

A packed house at the official opening took part in a quiz in aid of the rugby star's benefit year, raising £265.

The ceremony also included the presentation to winners of Leconfield's Millennium Trophy, awarded each year to villagers who have contributed most to the community.

The adult trophy was shared this year by two nominations. Dianne Cowles was choesn for her work for local and national charities from the counter of the village shop, where she is also a collecting point for ticket sales, stamp saving and helps to promote many of the village activities. She shared the award with Lesley Kynman, who was nominated for her unstinting work for the village library, as booking clerk for the village hall and her work in helping to keep Leconfield in bloom.

The young people’s award was won jointly by Emma Greenfield and Amy Davis-Brittar. Both girls have been co-opted on to the parish council to help in decision-making involving young people, and they were also responsible for re-painting playground equipment and helped in co-ordinating a recent survey carried out by the parish council on the use of the Recreation Club and village hall.

Tomorrow (Saturday September 6) the St Catherine's Church fundraising committee and The Flood Group are presenting an auction of promises to help raise funds.

Tickets for the event are £3, including pea and pie supper. There are several lots on offer including family portrait sitting, ice skating sessions, and theatre tickets. Tickets are available from the village shop and the post office.