ATHLETIC enthusiasts held a celebration this week for the opening of a new purpose-built pavilion for Ealing's athletes to enjoy.

The Perivale Park athletic track welcomed more than 100 local athletes to show their sporting skills in front of an audience of local school children, councillors and sporting partners with events ranging from run, jump and throw and open track events.

Simon Brown, commonwealth games athlete, joined in the celebration by leaving the audience in awe with his hammer throwing ability.

Cllr Nigel Sumner, cabinet member for health and community well being, said: "Perivale park athletics track is an important and award-winning feature of the borough - and provide all our up-and-coming athletes, school groups and clubs with a top class training facility.

"The new pavilion enhances the resources already available at the track and the extra changing rooms along with the classroom facility will be utilised by the council's active Ealing team, coaches and athletes.

"The track is a real asset to the borough and I would encourage anyone interested in athletics to visit the track and make the most of the training facilities on offer."

The state-of-the-art pavilion cost Ealing Council £720,000 with contributions from the big lottery fund and the London marathon charitable trust and will be used by local schools and athletes.