An adventure centre in Tonbridge has celebrated the long-anticipated opening of a new sports hall.

Staff and visitors at Carroty Wood, an established outdoor adventure centre, excitedly opened the new venue on Thursday, October 23.

A large group of invited guests and prizewinners from a local primary school were present for the opening of the new hall which staff hope will provide a new facility for residential and day visitors.

Members of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent's Office, Kent County Council and the Diocese of Rochester attended the opening as well as representatives of various funding bodies pivotal in enabling the project.

The adventure centre is run by Rock UK, which is a non-profit charity in the UK.

Alistair Fraser, the Chair of Rock UK extended his “thanks to the community representatives from the council, schools, churches, stakeholders and district council for their partnership and for joining us to celebrate what’s been achieved here.”

Chief executive, John Heasman said: “At Carroty Wood we share in the energy, life, enthusiasm and hopes of more than 15,000 young people who visit us each year which is a great responsibility.

"The addition of a sports hall provides a wonderful new facility for indoor sports and activities; as well as providing a space for functions, seating up to 200 people.

"We look forward to seeing this facility being used by our residential visitors and local community groups.”

Mayor Sasha Luck also hailed the importance of the new hall saying it will be a “huge benefit to the wider community and young people across the borough”.

Before unveiling a new plaque and declaring the Carroty Wood Sports Hall officially open, the Bishop of Rochester, James Langstaff said: “Several years ago I was a volunteer outdoor instructor so I know how important accessible opportunities for adventure are and increasing the capacity for adventure at Carroty Wood is very important”.

Following a prayer of dedication for the new hall, the Bishop of Rochester presented Milly Cameron, a year 6 student from Offham Primary School with a trophy in recognition of her artwork which had been chosen as the winning entry for a competition entitled “Adventure at Carroty Wood”.

Milly, whose artwork will be displayed in the sports hall, also won a day of adventurous activities for her classmates.

For more information about Rock UK call 0844 8000 222 or visit www.rockuk.org