SPORTS College status has been granted to Lowton High School which is on the verge of a lottery boost.

Minister of State for Schools David Miliband's decision has been welcomed by Leigh MP Andy Burnham who said: "This is a major boost for the school and I would like to congratulate staff, pupils and parents on achieving it.

"This award will help the school improve even further and become a real centre of excellence. Pupils can look forward to better sporting facilities with the imminent award of National Lottery funding and if Leigh Sports Village gets the go-ahead it will be able to forge strong links with it."

The news follows the announcement that Fred Longworth High at Tyldesley is one of the north west's 17 Leading Edge Schools.