A SPORTS arena has been named the best of its kind in the country.

Slough Town Football Club's stadium, the Arbour Park Community Sports Facility, in Stoke Road, has been named the best new non-league ground for the 2016 to 2017 season by the football magazine Groundtastic.

The magazine called the stadium outstanding and praised the facility for its pleasing individualistic appearance and strong visual continuity.

Phase one of the £8.4 million ground was completed in August last year, delivering the stands and artificial pitch just in time for the new season along with a sports hall for the neighbouring St Joseph's School in Shaggy Calf Lane.

Phase two of the development - one of a series of developments by Slough Urban Renewal - should be finished in May and will deliver further seating and disabled space as well as hospitality facilities in the main stand.

Councillor Sohail Munawar, leader of the council, said: “It’s fantastic news that Arbour Park has been recognised.

“It’s a tremendous asset for our community and now sets the high standards we are aiming toward for our new leisure centre and refurbished ice arena.”

The club will receive the award in a ceremony in February.