MATTHEW Bayliss, deputy mayor of Alton, cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the new 3G artificial pitch at Anstey Park, where the facilities will be shared by Alton Town Football Club and Alton United Youth.

He is joined by special guest George Burley, the former Scottish international and Ipswich Town and Southampton manager, and (from left) Ben Norfolk, chairman of Alton United Youth, Jonty Fair, representing Molson Coors, which has financed the project, and members of the Alton United Amazons team.

Later on Saturday, Alton Town christened the pitch by beating AFC Stoneham 4-0. For reports and more pictures, see this week’s Herald.