THE final touches are being made to a hi-tech school sports hall that will be made available to the wider community.

Contractors are due to finish work on the £700,000 sports hall at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science (DSMS), which has been built using the latest green technology.

The structure uses a special fabric stretched over a steel frame that allows natural light to enter the building without the need for lights.

The building can be separated into four sections with curtains to allow a variety of sports to be played at the same time.

New changing facilities and extra classrooms have also been added to the hall, which will be used by students, local athletes and community sports groups in the Cockerton area.

DSMS facilities manager Julie Park said: "It has been an amazing experience watching the sports hall rise from nothing over the past few months and everyone is becoming really excited now it is virtually complete. It is going to be a school facility to be proud of."

Head teacher Calvin Kipling added: "Sport is such an important part of learning, imbuing senses of healthy competition, dedication and commitment.

"Being active is also essential to future health and now we have the very best facility to complement the upgrading of the rest of the school.

"Students will be encouraged to use the hall as part of the curriculum and outside of the school timetable. We are also really keen to see the community make the most of what is an exceptional facility."