MATTHEW Le Tissier will be Guest of Honour this week for the official opening of Hampshire's state of the art badminton headquarters in Winchester.

The Saints legend, who will be Patron of the Westgate Badminton Centre, will perform the opening at 3pm on Wednesday at Westgate School.

The £2.2m facility has become the new base for badminton in Hampshire and is the first accredited performance and development centre in England.

In addition to housing county players, Westgate is the base for future champion players from the World Class Start Programme.

With five championship courts and space for 150 seats, it can be used to host tournaments and internationals but the managers are keen to stress that it is also used to introduce beginners and disabled players to the sport.

There are sessions for all county age groups but the centre is also open to members of the public who wish to try badminton for the first time.

Manager Neil Tier expressed his delight at the centre's opening:

He said: "This is a real boost to have a top class facility in the heart of the county and in an area where sport in general is on the up.

"Players of all standards can come and enjoy this facility, regardless of age and ability."

Hampshire chairman Diane Troke added: "This centre is the flagship for the rest of the country.

"It has been a long road and involved a lot of work, but I can't believe it has finally happened.

"It is like a dream come true. Everything about the centre is wonderful - the floor, the lighting - everything!

"Now we want as many people as possible to come and try out this wonderful facility."

Anyone wishing to find out more information about the centre or to make bookings call 01962 877626.

MATCHPOINT Junior Badminton club has been celebrating after receiving a £250 cash windfall.

The club received a cheque from ExxonMobile via their Volunteer Involvement Programme (VIP), after ExxonMobile employee, Jane Bickle qualified as an official Badminton Association of England (BA of E) coach last year and started working with the Junior Club.

The money will be spent on equipment and coaching aids and will be put to good use after three other Matchpoint members, Julie Lakomy, Dan Amy and Mike Newton-Wood, also qualified as BA of E coaches.

The news is a welcome progression for the club that was originally launched with the aid of a grant from Sport England. Since then, the Totton-based club has grown in stature, but is still keen for new members of any experience above 14 years.

Training takes place at Totton recreation centre and special rates are available for students, senior citizens and families.

More details from Jo Francis on 02380 897 973.