IT was hard to imagine last September how life at Exmouth Community College s sport department could get any better. After an academic year in which the PE department achieved outstanding feedback in an education inspection report, staff and sporty pupi

IT was hard to imagine last September how life at Exmouth Community College's sport department could get any better.

After an academic year in which the PE department achieved 'outstanding' feedback in an education inspection report, staff and sporty pupils at the school, however, have more reasons to celebrate.

The college has had three brand new rowing machines fitted in the fitness suite, taking its total number to nine, as well as a rugby scrum machine which has been donated by local businesses.

Richard Thompson, head of PE at the school, has also expressed his delight at plans to fit new cricket nets in the sports hall thanks to money donated from the English Cricket Board and Sport England.

And, to cap off a positive start to 2010, scores of pupils and teams representing the college have been excelling in a number of competitions.

Mr Thompson, speaking about the cricket plans, said: "It will be top notch facilities."

He believes the introduction of all the new facilities was testament to the school's ethos, of continually aiming to improve.

He added: "As a college, we are always striving to get better and better facilities.

"We are limited for space at the moment, so anything we can do that will provide improved opportunities for all our kids, is fantastic."

Sport England have donated �10,000 which will go towards three brand new cricket nets and the college expects to receive around �22,000 from the English Cricket Board which will help revamp all the lighting.

Mr Thompson said: "We've still got a little bit of money left over from local businesses so that will put in any shortfall and a brand new bowling machine.

"A condition of this is that we work closely with local clubs, so they will come in and use the facilities and that we actively promote girls cricket."

The boys under-16 football team have recently become east Devon champions; year eight boys have been named Devon's 10-a-side rugby champions and year seven boys have been crowned east Devon cross-country champions.

Thirteen students are through to the Devon cross-country championships with more than 30 representing Exeter/East Devon cross-country team.