This photograph shows how work is well under way on a £400,000 artificial grass football pitch in Long Stratton which should be completed in nine weeks.

The 3G pitch off Swan Lane is the first step in the creation of a £2.5m multisport hub that is said will address the current and future sporting needs of both Long Stratton and the surrounding villages.

It has been funded through contributions from South Norfolk Council, Long Stratton High School, Long Stratton Football Club and the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund.

The installation of the pitch comes as Long Stratton will see substantial growth in housing over the coming years following the adoption of the Long Stratton area action plan that outlines the development of 1,800 homes and a long-awaited bypass.

Clayton Hudson, South Norfolk Council's portfolio holder for stronger communities and leisure, said: 'The health and well-being of our residents is a priority for the council and this is the next step in our investment in leisure facilities across the district.

'This is a fantastic example of partners working together to provide the opportunities that our residents have been asking for.

'It's important that we invest in the sporting facilities in the village so that they're able to service the increased demand that planned growth will bring.'

The new pitch will be 78 metres by 52 metres and will be suitable for competitive use for up to nine-a-side matches and include three five-a-side pitches across its width.

Planning permission was granted in May.

The partners, including Long Stratton Parish Council, are also working on the other aspects of the £2.5m multisport hub including a new pavilion at Manor Road Playing Fields, sports facilities at the high school and the redevelopment of the village's leisure centre.