Schools scoop £2.6m sports cash

Alder Grange Community and Technology School, Rawtenstall and Whitworth Community High School have each been awarded £1.3million from the Sport England Lottery fund.

Building work is expected to start in the New Year on both projects -- with a completion date set for December 2004.

The news was welcomed by teachers at the schools.

Iain Hulland, head teacher at Alder Grange, said: "It is fantastic news, not just for the school and the pupils but for the wider community.

"It means we can take the lead in the provision of Rossendale Borough Council's sport and leisure development plans.

"We also want to work with the Primary Care Trust to encourage physical activity and help reduce poor health among people of all ages.

"Work is set to start in April or May now that planning permission has been obtained. We are hoping the work will be completed by this time next year, although it could be that it spills into early 2005."

In both schools, the buildings will be modelled to suit Sports England designs which will incorporate a four badminton court-sized area, a dance and aerobics studio and fitness room, storage area, toilets, showers and changing rooms.

Mr Hulland added: "We are looking to do three things. Schools across the county suffer some difficulties with outdoor pitches which are often water logged, no matter how much is spent.

"We need to ensure we have indoor space to provide a continuation of provisions for a range of extra curricular sport.

"The facility can be used as a resource during the day and twilight for competition and tournaments. Partner primary schools and other primary schools will have use of the facility because traditionally, certain sports have to stop when it gets to the back end of November because of the weather.

"We are also one of the country's small number of community youth schools which will mean the facility will be open at evenings and weekends to benefit everyone in the community."