West Dorset District Council (WDDC) has announced that work is due to start on the installation of a new 3G football pitch at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in Dorchester.

The centre's existing pitch is set to be resurfaced and filled with rubber crumbs rather than sand, while nets will allow the facility to be divided into three smaller pitches to increase booking opportunities. Dorchester Town Football Club has expressed an interest in using the new pitch, which is due to take around six weeks to complete and has been funded using a £124,400 grant from the Football Foundation.

WDDC's community support team leader, Tony Hurley, said: "This new pitch continues our commitment to providing high quality leisure facilities for West Dorset." The pitch also forms part of wider efforts to improve leisure facilities in Dorchester, with £8m to be spent on a new leisure centre to include a six-lane swimming pool, activity studios and a fitness suite.