ENERGETIC youngsters had a ball as their new £296,000 multi-use games area was officially opened.

The state-of-the art sports facility has been installed at Whinhill Primary and means youngsters can enjoy playing an array of sports such as netball, short tennis, football and basketball.

Sporty eight-year-old Jaiden Smith gave the outdoor area a big thumbs up.

She said: “I think it’s really good.

We can play basketball and football here.” Her classmate Malli Gourlay was also impressed with the new facility.

She said: “We can do all different sports now.” Head teacher Liz Ruddy expects the games area to make a difference and ensure the children stay as active as possible.

She said: “This shows that the leisure facilities in Inverclyde are fantastic.

“It also sends out a really strong message to the younger children that sport is very important.

“The children are on it all the time.” Councillors Martin Brennan and Terry Loughran visited Whinhill to enjoy a tour of the new site. Cllr Loughran, who is also Inverclyde Council’s education convener, said: “We’re delighted to unveil this new outdoor recreation facility at Whinhill Primary School.

“The ‘MUGA’ provides pupils with a safe and enclosed environment in which they can participate in multiple leisure activities during school.

“Whinhill is one of 10 primary schools in Inverclyde to benefit from the MUGA upgrade, and it’s fantastic to see the investment being enjoyed by the pupils.” Inverclyde Council is now installing a similar sports facility at St Ninian’s Primary.

It is due to be finished in May, while another MUGA is to be installed at Kilmacolm Primary in October.

Plans are also under way to add the facilities at several primary schools thereafter, with St Francis’, St Michael’s, St Mary’s, King’s Oak, Lady Alice and St Joseph’s all to benefit.