BOOKING sports facilities and pitches has been made easier by a change of system by Oxford City Council.

A new system, Pitchbooking, allows sports clubs and members of the public to book council-owned pitches and pavilions across Oxford.

It started in the New Year and allows users to find, book and pay for access. Users create their own accounts and manage their booking online.

Pitch rates range from £45 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £35 for under 17s and £14.20 and £25 for under 11s.

Linda Smith, board member for sports and leisure, said: “We are very excited to see the introduction of this new on-line booking system.

"Several Oxford sports clubs have already had the opportunity to view the system and try it out and we’ve had some great feedback about it being a simple and convenient way for clubs to organise their fixtures and training. I hope that this will make access to our high quality sport pitches and pavilions much easier for everyone.”

Sites across Oxford which can be booked include Blackbird Leys Recreational Ground, Court Place Farm Recreational Ground, Cutteslowe Recreational Ground, Cowley Marsh Recreational Ground, Grandpont Recreational Ground, Horspath Sports Ground and Quarry Recreational Ground.

Others include Rose Hill Recreational Ground, Sandy Lane Recreational Ground and Union Street Astroturf.

To book a pitch visit www.oxford.gov.uk/pitchbooking