FORMER world junior champion athlete Anneliese Heard braved the rain to cut the ribbon to open her former school's all-weather pitch.

Anneliese, 21, officially opened the pitch at Bassaleg Comprehensive School. The ground will be used by pupils and the community.

Anneliese, who still lives in Bassaleg, took a break from training yesterday afternoon to attend the event. She believes the new pitch will give youngsters the chance to follow in her footsteps.

She said: "I think the pitch will help pupils a lot. It will help produce athletes for things like hockey and netball.

"It also means they can practise in all weathers and they won't miss out just because it's raining."

The pitch includes flood lighting and cost £250,000. It was jointly funded by the school and local education authority.

Anneliese left Bassaleg Comprehensive School after just one year of sixth form in 1999. She became a professional triathlete and won the World Junior Championships in both 1999 and 2000, just missing out on a third consecutive title last year.

PICTURED: Triathlete Anneliese Heard, front, returned to her old school, Bassaleg Comprehensive, to open an all-weather pitch. She is pictured with school hockey captain Rebecca Lee, centre, and Felicity Smith.