Royal approval for RAF Shawbury Jubilee Hall

RAF Shawbury's new £5.8 million sporting complex has won the royal seal of approval ahead of London Olympics.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent called the centre 'tremendous' as he performed the official opening ceremony, joined by a number of special guests.

Also at the opening were Frank Dick, Olympic coach to Daley Thompson and 1964 Olympic medallists Robbie Brightwell, who grew up in Donnington, and his wife Ann who, as Ann Packer, became Britain's golden girl at the games when she broke the world record in claiming gold in the 800m.

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The sports complex, which has taken about a year to build, includes a fitness suite, badminton and squash courts and activity spaces.

Prince Michael said: "I am delighted to be able to come to Shawbury today for the first time to open this tremendous sports facility in the year of the Olympic and Paralympic games."

The Prince was joined by Olympic archer Alison Williamson, from Church Stretton, who shot three arrows in an Olympic Rings target in the new sports hall.

She said: "It looks fantastic. It is great to see all the hard work pay off.

"It will provide the people here with some quality training. It is good to see their families will be able to use it as well."

Mr Brightwell described the facilities as 'excellent' while his wife Ann said she hoped they, along with the summer games, would help youngsters become more active and take up sport.

Squadron Leader Neil Hope, base spokesman, said the opening marked the end of a 10-year wait

After the opening of the sports complex the 2010 Firmin Sword of Peace was presented by Prince Michael to Group Captain Chris Luck, Station Commander at RAF Shawbury.

The award is presented to the unit that is considered to have done the most for charitable and/or humanitarian work in the RAF.