A Watford school has been awarded £223,000 for a new 3G football pitch.

The Premier League and the FA Facilities Fund has awarded Westfield Academy up to £223,000 to refurbish its astroturf pitch, to include the installation of new floodlights and the building of new changing rooms.

Work on the new £20m redevelopment of the Tolpits Lane school is due to start in the new year. 

Paul Rosen, chair of governors at the secondary school, said: "This is more brilliant news for the school, we have already secured planning for the pitch and are working to secure planning for the new changing rooms.

"The upgraded facility will make a fundamental difference to our facilities. The current pitches are showing their age and this cash injection will help us to create a county-standard football pitch.

"Westfield Academy is growing, the new build will enable us to increase our student numbers and facilities like these will enhance the students’ learning experience."

Westfield Academy is increasing its vocational and sixth form curriculum, offering construction courses as well as hair and beauty qualifications.

It has also partnered with Watford Football Club to bring a new football academy to the school.

Mr Rosen added: "The new 3G pitch will be state-of-the-art, and a very welcome addition, supporting the students as they progress through the football academy with Watford FC, as well as the whole community because these new facilities will be open to the public too."