Minister backs sport investment

Sutcliffe has been looking at the new facilities at Penryn College

Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has said Cornish schools will receive more funding for sports projects.

Mr Sutcliffe made the comments at Penryn College, which has benefited from £23 million of Government money towards its sporting facilities.

He told BBC Radio Cornwall: "There's still a lot more to be done, but I think Cornwall will benefit over the years from investment in schools."

Penryn College is a specialist sports college situated near Falmouth.

The college has been part of the government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme and has undergone a series of redevelopments in recent years.

The Cornish school now boasts a flood-lit all weather playing pitch, new changing facilities, a new sports hall and indoor tennis courts.

Sutcliffe said the importance of giving school children the best environment possible cannot be underestimated.

He said: "We're trying to use sport as the vehicle to inspire young people and what we've found is that unless there are world class facilities, youngsters wont get involved.

"So what's important in building sport for the future is that sports infrastructure is coming forward and being built to world class standards."

The Sports minister also spoke about the importance of involving young people with sport from an early age.

He said: "There's a saving to the country if you get more people fit and active because the health bill is then reduced.

"We know that sport can help in educational activities and give people life skills that they'll be able to take into employment."