Halton’s new £2.7 million sports centre is now completed and will soon be ready to use.

The Frank Myler Sports and Recreation Ground on the former Widnes Recreation Club site in Liverpool Road, Widnes has 11 pitches for football and rugby, a cricket wicket and floodlit multi-use games area.

The ground is named after Widnes Rugby League Club legend Frank Myler in recognition of his achievements during his career as a player, coach and manager which spanned almost 50 years.

Frank, aged 76, still has the distinction of being the last British captain to lift the Ashes trophy in Australia, as he led the Lions to a 2-1 test series victory in 1970.

He received the Freedom of the Borough from Halton Council in 2004.

Cllr Phil Harris, board member for sport, said: “This is an important community sports facility in Halton.

“The site has historically provided sports facilities and pitches for the area.

“We hope the facilities will help regenerate and revitalise the wider community, helping to address issues relating to health, anti-social behaviour, education and the environment.”

The council hopes the facilities will be fully operational over the summer months for amateur sport teams and provide new opportunities for a wide range of community activities.

Multi-sport sessions for ages children during school holidays, coaching sessions, and group exercise classes for adults are planned.

The council’s sport and recreation team already offers and facilitates a number of services which will be transferred to the pavilion including community sports coach schemes, a sports volunteer programme, coach education and development workshops and sports leadership courses.

Frank Myler will officially open the centre later in the year.