STOURPORT Sports Club’s new £1.4 million clubhouse has been officially unveiled by former Olympic gold medallist, Darren Campbell.

The original clubhouse was destroyed in a devastating arson attack in December, 2007, prompting The Shuttle to run a successful appeal to replace £25,000 worth of vital sporting equipment.

The launch was part of a weekend-long celebration organised by the club's partners, Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club, Stourport Hockey Club, the District Netball League, Wyre Forest District Council, Stourport High School and Worcestershire County Council.

Andrew Priest, sports club board member and sprint and hurdles coach, said that more than 400 people turned out for the celebrations over the two days.

He added: “It went fantastically well. There was a really good atmosphere all weekend. Everyone with anything to do with the club was there and members turned out in force.”

He explained: “Darren Campbell was absolutely brilliant. He was very approachable and friendly and just so down to earth.

“He passed around his gold medal and people took photos. The fact that someone of his stature was there was fantastic.”

The club's opening weekend included free athletics, netball and hockey coaching sessions, hockey tournaments and netball matches, mixed relay races, and a mile track race.

There was also a 24-hour marathon relay in aid of Kemp Hospice that has raised about £1,000, according to early estimates.

Mr Priest said: “The marathon runners did a fantastic job to keep going in the conditions. Altogether, they faced everything the weather could throw at them but they were really stoic and just kept going.”

The weekend also saw the opening of a new £650,000 netball dome, built via grants from Sport England, the district council and county council Mr Priest said: “Everyone was really buoyed up and there was a real collective spirit, with everyone wanting to pull in the same direction to get young people in Wyre Forest involved in sport.

“It was a real boost for the club and, hopefully, now that people can see our new facilities we will start to see some new members.”

The clubhouse was originally opened in 2000, built with a £1.8 million Lottery grant in conjunction with the Sports Council and land provided by the district council.

For more information on Stourport Sports Club or to view the facilities, call the club’s manager, Fran Moss, on 01299 877200.