Outdoor sports facilities in Moray are poised to reopen next week after remaining closed since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
Grass pitches, artificial pitches and pavilions are available to book from Monday amid a phased reopening of the council’s leisure services.
Demand for the facilities is expected to be high amid predicted pent-up demand from residents.
Groups using pitches will be asked to provide documentation to outline what steps are being taken to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Fit Life membership payments remain suspended with users asked to pay for hires using card instead of cash.
Sonya Warren, chairwoman of Moray Council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “This is great news and another major significant step forward in this Covid recovery period.
“Physical health is so important and has a very positive impact on mental health as well. I’m sure we’ll be seeing excellent use of these facilities in the coming days and weeks.”
Tim Eagle, leader of the council’s Conservative group, said: “As with many things, it was a shame to see local facilities closing during the lockdown but I have asked at every major meeting for a while now for an update on progress to re-open them.
“I am delighted that staff have done everything possible to get these facilities back open.”
Bookings can be made by calling a facility’s associated leisure centre.