OLYMPIC medalist Steve Scott was on hand to open Sparsholt College's state-of-the-art outdoor rifle range.

Ten years in the planning, the new facility has an 11.5m high stop butt created from 30,000 tonnes of clean white chalk, moved by TJ Transport from a recent local housing development in Winchester.

Guest of honour Steve Scott, winner of the bronze medal in the men's Olympic double trap shooting event in Rio, spoke at the opening and unveiled the commemorative plaque.

He then joined a shooting demonstration by Sparsholt’s land and wildlife management students.

Mr Scott said: “It’s been fantastic to officially declare the Fullbore Outdoor Rifle Range open for Sparsholt students to use as part of their extensive training.

"It was great to try the range out for myself and it’s brilliant to see this new facility in place to support students in developing their skills and confidence for their future careers."

Guests at the event included representatives from BASC, Natural England, National Trust, Napier of London and Zeiss Optics.

The college vice president, the Earl of Malmesbury and chair of governors, Neil Hopkins were also in attendance.

Tim Jackson, Sparsholt college principal said: "I’m delighted to have welcomed Olympic champion, Steve Scott to the official commissioning ceremony of our new outdoor rifle range. We are so appreciative to have the support of our partner organisations and employers within the game and wildlife management industry that have been involved with this exciting student facility."