The Whitehaven News readers have shared their thoughts on plans for new sporting facilities at The Whitehaven Academy.

The school has revealed plans to install new outdoor facilities to promote a host of sporting activities.

Permission is being sought for two full-size artificial pitches to cater for a range of sports including rugby, football, hockey and netball.

The public seem happy with these plans going ahead and made some of their own suggestions.

Andrew Branthwaite said: "Good to hear, I remember asking for pitches that didn't flood like a swimming pool every year I went there. I don't think the school council I was on had that sort of budget in mind when I was voted on.

"Promising to hear its getting sorted."

Ian Affleck said: "Great."

Graham Clarke said: "Great news, hopefully West Lakes Academy at Egremont will get something similar."

There are also plans for three tennis courts, a sprint track and standing area for spectators.

A planning application is expected to be made before the end of the year with a potential opening in September 2022.

If successful, the school would be looking to work with local clubs for community usage.

Headteacher Nigel Youngman explained to us the great benefit he believes these new sporting facilities will have for the school.

Mr Youngman said: "Alongside our new indoor sports hall, the new all-weather pitches would be a massive step forward in what we can offer students and the community.

"There is already a great buzz in school about the prospect of our move into a spacious, modern and fresh building next year.

"The prospect of being able to upgrade our outdoor sports facilities is the icing on the cake."

The academy, its 560 students and staff are set to move into a new building on its current site in the spring.

The new build, which includes 21 classrooms, seven science labs, two art studios and three design and technology rooms, also has a sports hall with dance and drama studios.

This month staff at the academy have been able to welcome prospective parents and their children into the school for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Tours have been taking place ahead of the closing date for 2022 secondary school applications on October 31.

Groups of current students have also had chance to inspect the new classrooms under construction.

The Academy is party of Cumbria Education Trust along with other schools across the county.

Along with Workington Academy they have formed West Coast Sixth Form.

What are your thoughts on the new plans for the school?