Soccer legend Ray Parlour joined local residents and dignitaries to mark the official opening on a new leisure centre last week.

Ray, who played for Arsenal and England, was guest of honour at the new Cotlandswick Leisure Centre in London Colney to carry out the opening.

During the event Ray took time to sign autographs for children from the local community who had attended the launch to take part in the various free activities that were on offer. He also awarded trophies for a mini football tournament and the winner of the crossbar challenge.

Ray commented, “This is a fantastic facility that will help the local community to get into sport and stay active. It’s great to see the football pitches that you have available here – the next generation of Arsenal and England players have somewhere great that they can hone their skills.”

Cllr Annie Brewster, St Albans council’s portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: “Congratulations to all those who helped bring the project to life and my good wishes to all its future users.”