An Alsager school is top of the class after being the first in the country to use eco-friendly materials without plastics for a new pitch.

A new artificial grass pitch has been unveiled at Alsager School in Hassall Road in a joint project between the school and a local businessman.

The new pitch, which replaces an aged and worn out one over 20 years old, uses the latest technology - the first surface in the country to use eco-friendly brockfill materials, with no micro-plastics.

A school statement says: "Thanks to a very sizeable and generous donation from Ian Donaldson (of Ardonagh Retail) and a significant contribution from the school, Alsager School is delighted to unveil a brand-new artificial grass pitch on the site."

Richard Middlebrook, CEO of The Cornovii Multi Academy Trust of five schools, of which Alsager is one, who has been working on this project said "This is a fantastic facility which the pupils at the school will benefit from enormously.

"Our young people are so lucky to be able to use such a top-class playing surface. In addition, the local community will benefit from this superb resource outside of school hours.

"I have been working on trying to replace the old Astro turf pitch at the school for years, as it was no longer fit for purpose, but I had exhausted every avenue in terms of funding.

"On behalf of the school and the local community, I would like to thank Ian Donaldson for his financial backing and support. This project would never have happened without him."

Headteacher, Andrea O'Neill, said: "It's top-of-the-range and adds another super resource to our school. We are delighted to have it and look forward to it being used."

The new pitch will be open for community use and is booked and managed by Everybody Health & Leisure based at Alsager Leisure Centre and bookings can be made through them.