BRITAIN'S number one high jumper Susan Jones gave high fives to the state-of-the-art athletics arena unveiled at Wilson's Playing Fields this week.

A massive investment of £460,000 has led to the upgrade of the 30-year-old cinder track - the home of Hyndburn Athletics Club - with a new synthetic surface including steeple chase facilities, a new IAAF hammer and discus throwing cage, pole vault, high jump and long jump area.

The largest proportion of the funding - £231,500 - was made available through the East Lancashire Partnership's Regional Park Project.

Chris Henshall, the Partnerhip's Regional Park Development Manager, said: "This facility will not only rejuvenate athletics in Hyndburn but will contribute to the regeneration of East Lancashire, a place where the quality of life is important."

Joe Balko, manager of Hyndburn Sports Centre, said: "The improved athletic facility will provide new competitive opportunities for Hyndburn and the whole of East Lancashire."

"We hope that local schools will make full use of its potential."

And the new track and field facilities were in instant use as Hyndburn's own junior games - the Olympiad - took place there following the opening ceremony. More than 300 children from around 30 primary schools contested the various athletics events.