THE bell that sounded during the final lap of Sir Roger Bannister’s historic sub-four-minute mile rang again to celebrate the redevelopment of Iffley Road sports facilities.

The first phase of long-awaited work to improve the centre has been completed with the opening of the Gallie-Lewis-Dean Gym (GLD).

Named after former Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club (OUABC) head coaches Alf Gallie, Percy Lewis and Henry Dean, the gym provides a multi-purpose activity room and will host 22 exercise classes per week.

More than 120 university boxing alumni gave over £250,000 towards the new facility.

At the celebration on Saturday, coaches Percy Lewis and Henry Dean rang the Bannister Bell and declared ‘seconds out, GLD open’.

Chris Mack, a former club member who trained under the three coaches and led the fundraising campaign, said: “The response from alumni to the appeal was fantastic, with donations coming from those who fought as far back as 1946.

“There is a huge team spirit within OUABC, and amazing gratitude and affection for all our inspirational coaches, past and present.”

The remainder of the Iffley Road redevelopment is due to be completed in April 2018 and will include the Acer Nethercott Sports Hall, a second four-court sports hall and a refurbished café and reception area.