Lottery boost for school sports

The scheme aims to increase access to sport

Young sports stars across the north-east of England are to benefit from £2.8m of Lottery funding.

Newcastle's Kenton School is receiving the biggest share of the handout with £1.7m being awarded for a sports complex with a range of facilities.

Children on Teesside and South Tyneside will also have better sports facilities through the New Opportunities for PE and Sport scheme.

The money aims to benefit pupils and the wider community.

The money for Kenton School will mean a six-court sports complex with a gymnasium, dance studio, fitness suite and teaching spaces.

'Greater access'

Kenton deputy head teacher Neil Walker said they were absolutely delighted.

He said: "The pupils, staff and local community will at long last have the opportunity to access state of the art facilities they deserve.

"And with the current emphasis on developing healthy lifestyles I am sure that this grant will help increase the number of participants in a whole range of sports and activities for years to come."

Others to benefit are Baldersdale Outdoor Education Centre, in Middlesbrough, with £9,485.

It will pay for a new heating system, windows, drying room and ramps for disabled access at the centre, and aims to encourage 600 pupils at nearby schools and the community to take part in a range of activities.

Carlton Outdoor Education Centre, in the North York Moors National Park, will be modernised with £317,820.

It will give 9,000 children and young people from around Teesside greater access to outdoor adventure and education.

A grant of £804,477 will help build a multi-use games area at Fellgate Primary School, in South Tyneside.

As well as being used by Fellgate pupils, the facility will also be pupils at nearby St Joseph's Primary School and residents.