A MASSIVE community-based project has seen the creation of a £120,000 multi-purpose games pitch.

And Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin MP took time out from his busy schedule to officially open the floodlit, artificial pitch in Robroyston.

It will provide 5-a-side- football, cricket, basketball and volleyball.

Local residents have been working with Unity Homes Housing Association, environmental charity BTCV Scotland and Glasgow City Council to create the new multi-use games area.

Around £50,000 for the facility was provided by Barclays Spaces for Sports programme as part of its three year, £30million community sponsorship programme to create and improve sports facilities in communities across the UK. The programme is a partnership between Barclays, Groundwork and the Football Foundation.

A further £50,000 came from Glasgow Housing Association and the remaining £20,000 was handed over by the Scottish Football Association and Glasgow City Council.

The aim is to encourage people to take up sport and improve their health, as well as bringing them together to strengthen community spirit.

Today Mr Martin, said: "This magnificent project has come to fruition because of the solid campaigning of the local people of Barmulloch and Robroyston, and I very much appreciate the council's wholehearted commitment, and also those others for their financial contribution."

And Councillor Ruth Simpson, of the council's land and environmental services, added: "We have consulted closely with the local community about how they would like the area regenerated.

"This multi-purpose pitch is one aspect of the improvements we have planned and something that local people have asked us for."