Following the installation of a new sand dressed synthetic surface at Eastbourne College, the school has invested in a new Charterhouse Verti-Top Pulled Behind to keep it maintained.

The site has two full size synthetic pitches which are primarily used for hockey matches.

The move follows the college's experience with a Charterhouse Verti-Drain 7316 for the upkeep of its natural turf, with the company suggesting the Verti-Top for use on its new Bernhard's Sport Surfaces-supplied EDEL Grass carpet.

The machine uses a large rotary brush to sweep the surface and collect material from within the carpet. The collected material - which can include anything from skin and hair to dust and leaves - is then placed onto an oscillating sieve to separate the waste material from the infill. The infill is then returned and brushed back into the surface.

On advice from Charterhouse product manager Curtis Allen - observing that the new surface was a lightweight, sand dressed pitch, as opposed to a heavy rubber crumb pitch with a longer pile - the college opted for the Verti-Top model with two rear wheels and two pivoting front end wheels instead of the standard single roller.

The Verti-Top Pulled Behind has a built-in engine, meaning that it can be pulled by an ATV, utility vehicle or compact tractor.

College head groundsman, Richard Maryan, finds the adjustable height of the rotary brush a very effective feature. In winter, with leaves falling onto the surface and moisture on the ground, the brush is kept at a higher level for picking up surface debris and not disturbing the sand.

With winter over, it's time for a deep clean ahead of the tennis season.

The rest of the time the machine is used for general surface upkeep.