YORKSHIRE and England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom provided a star turn at Fulford School when he opened its new sports hall.

The veteran seam bowler, who has helped Yorkshire win the County Championship in the last two seasons, coached pupils and took part in a question and answer session.

Fulford School head teacher Lorna Savage said: "Ryan answered a range of questions on his sporting career where he shared his key highlights and stressed the importance of hard work, determination and always aiming to be the best you can be in relation to his sporting success.

"The students were hugely impressed by Ryan’s openness, warmth and approachability."

Mrs Savage thanked City of York Council, building firm William Birch, and the school community for their efforts over the years to secure the facility. She added: "The new sports hall is now being well used by the school and is also bringing benefits to the local community through out-of-hours hire."

During the construction students at the school got to see ways in which they might consider a career in architecture or construction – and the latest digital modelling techniques are also being seen, to inspire tomorrow’s architects and builders.

September saw the completion of the new classroom block, and in December the brand new sports hall was opened to students.

The £3.9 million City of York Council project also provided work to local York apprentices such as Austen Aldridge, an 18-year-old working with William Birch and studying at York College, who recently won an award from the college as its first ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

Paul Turner from WBSL said: “The project will form part of our construction curriculum support programme which includes a series of 14 site update visits along with guest speakers.

“We are also hosting work placements, four of which will be offered to students.”

Founded in 1874 and still family-owned, William Birch & Sons Limited employs about 100 people with a turnover in excess of £20 million and is based in Osbaldwick.

Anyone interested in hiring the facilities should contact Kayleigh Davis at davisk@fulford.york.sch.uk