CHILDREN will be in ‘The Zone’ at Huddersfield’s newest sports centre.

The Zone is an unique sports, play and dance facility for youngsters.

It is an ambitious project aimed at encouraging young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

A giant colourful play area sits alongside two sports pitches, a gym, dance studio and learning centre.

It is also the first facility to bring together two sports clubs, with Huddersfield Town and the Giants backing the project.

Paul France, community director of the Sporting Pride Community Trust which runs The Zone, said: “We want to use the power of both clubs to really make a difference.

“I think children will be very enthusiastic about this place, there is so much on offer and we are hoping to add even more.”

The Zone, off St Andrews Road, is split into sub-zones.

The Gym Zone is fitted out with state of the art child-friendly equipment.

Its manager Lee Bray said he believes the reaction from children will be ‘wow’ when they see it.

“We want them to leave their computer games at home and come here and enjoy themselves, he said. “Places like this really can help to tackle childhood obesity.”

The Sports Zone’s two pitches, Galpharm and Wembley, are for rugby and football, while the Dance Zone is suitable for aerobics and dance classes.

The Kids Zone has the largest play area in Yorkshire, while there is also a Learning Zone with IT facilities.

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe officially opened the centre on Friday with Mayor of Kirklees Clr Jean Calvert and Council Leader Robert Light.

Brothers Ben and Thomas Armitage, both pupils at Battyeford Primary School, Mirfield, were the first to try the pitches.

Ten-year-old Ben said: “It is really, really good here, especially the football pitches.

“I think it’s great there is somewhere like this for us to come and play different sports.”

Thomas, eight, added: “The play area is amazing and there is so much to do here.

“I think we’ll get really tired out coming here as it is so fun.”

Mum of three Claire Sagar took her children to the launch.

She said: “The children really seem to love it; I haven’t seen them since we came in as they ran straight to the play area.

“I only wish I could have a go too.”

The Zone will open next Friday, January 11.

Roger Armitage, chairman of the trust, said he hoped it would be a success.

“I hope we get the people through the doors to see what we have created and that we can make a real difference.”

For more information visit www.thezone.uk.com.