A Derby secondary school has revamped its artificial sports pitch with help from sustainable building solutions provider, Holcim UK.

The full-size artificial sand-based pitch at St Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Duffield Road, Derby, was used for PE and lunchtime activity by pupils, alongside wider members of the community for hockey and football, including the University of Derby hockey team and Derby Hockey Club.

But the age of the pitch saw it fall into disrepair and led to the facility being closed for six months as it required a complete refurbishment.

The school, part of the St Ralph Sherwin Multi Academy Trust, is seeking Sports England funding to support the work and also community crowd funding in a bid to reinstate the pitch.

Holcim UK’s specialist sands team at Leighton Buzzard was able to donate 20 tonnes of its specialist sports sand to provide a new base layer for the pitch, which was relaid by contractor, Replay Maintenance.

The premium silica sand provides enhanced playability, reduced maintenance, and gives a prolonged lifespan.

Mark Hickinbottom, general manager at Holcim Specialist Sands, said: “When we heard about the school’s pitch dilemma, we were only too happy to step in and help.

“We worked alongside the contractor to deliver our specialist sports sand product which has now seen the pitch fully reinstated.

“It is fantastic to see it reopened and being used by the pupils and the local community again.”

Hazel Boyce, headteacher at St Benedict, added: “This is a vital facility for us and will benefit hundreds of our students and the wider local community.”