GREAT Torrington School has had to cancel its sports day because of the condition of its pitches.

In previous years the school's football and rugby pitches have been left unusable because of water logging.

The school, a specialist sports college, was given a £150,000 grant in November 2008 to solve drainage problems.

Work on the scheme began a year ago but after a hard winter and a dry start to summer, the school has been advised not use the pitches because grass growth has been slow.

Instead of the annual sports day the school will be hosting inter tutor group competitions during school time.

Deputy head teacher Mike Clarke said: "This winter coming we should be able to use the pitches through the whole winter and not have the muddy, waterlogged morass that we have had to contend with in the past.

"The PE department will be very pleased to get its field back.

"As well as having to cancel sports day, home fixtures for football, cricket and athletics have been limited."

He said the staff had worked hard to use the school's other pitches and courts for teaching and Torrington Rugby Club had allowed use of their grounds for rugby training and matches.

The school was granted the money for pitch improvements as part of a £30 million government grant to sports colleges.

Torrington was one of five schools in the West Country to gain funds.

Mr Clarke said: "Competitive sport is still thriving here at Torrington.

"As part of National Sports Week we have had inter-form competitions involving every pupil in years seven, eight and nine in rounders, netball, football, athletics and climbing.

"Nearly half of the students have represented the school in sporting competitions with other schools this year, in comparison with the national average of less than 20%."

The school's sports awards are set to take place on Friday, July 9.