International athletics on the horizon

AN ATHLETICS facility has been awarded top class status – and the right to host events up to international level.

Crewe's Cumberland Arena has received the highest level of accreditation from UK Athletics (UKA).

Class one status means the Cheshire East Council facility is suitable to hold all levels of training and competitions from school games to international events.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, portfolio holder for health and well being said: "Cumberland Arena has benefited from major investment over recent years and it is now undoubtedly one of the region's premier athletics venues.

"This award is the 'cherry on the cake' of its success and my congratulations go to staff and users who have worked hard to ensure the track meets the high standards demanded by UK athletics.

"There is a full programme of athletics events looming up in the future and I look forward to medals being won and perhaps even records being broken."

The Thomas Street facility features a six-lane synthetic track, long and triple jump beds and facilities for all other jumping and throwing events.