A MASSIVE cash boost for sport in the North West has been announced today.

The Lottery-financed New Opportunities Fund is pumping nearly £90 million into the provision of school and community use sports facilities.

This will include spending £2.5 million in Blackburn with Darwen and £11.9 million in Lancashire.

The money will be used to create new facilities as well as modernising existing ones and will also be used to promote sport in the community and the the wider use of both indoor and outdoor facilities in the region.

Jack Bennett, Lancashire County Council's acting director of education commented: "Meaningful physical activity for all children is a high priority.

"The opportunity to improve physical education facilities in schools will be made possible on a much greater scale through this new grant allocation and each new scheme will have significant benefits for the local community.

"This initiative will significantly enhance the quality of participation for many pupils in physical education in a number of schools," he added.

Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, chairman of the New Opportunities Fund, said the funding would substantially change the face of sporting provision in schools and communities.

"In providing many more young people, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the opportunity to engage in a range of physical activities, we can help build a more inclusive and healthier society," she said.

Five times world karate champion Geoff Thompson, a member of the New Opportunities Fund, said sport could motivate and engage young people as well as instilling discipline, self-esteem and confidence.

"The fund recognises the wider value of sport and how it can bring benefits in fitness, health, education and achievement in general."