The cash will be used to build many new school sports halls

Darlington Borough Council's bid for funding has been approved by the New Opportunities Fund.

The money will be used to improve indoor and outdoor sports facilities and provide coaching for at schools in the town and in the community.

The council says the aim is to help improve pupils' health and provide better sports facilities.

Council cabinet member for education Stephen Harker said: "This is excellent news.

"These new facilities will benefit the health and well being of pupils and they will improve the sports and recreation facilities that will be available to the wider community."

Under the scheme, £93,000 will be used to build a floodlit multi-games area at Alderman Leach Primary School, which will also be used by pupils from nearby schools and residents.

The money will pay for up to four hours of expert coaching each week for two years for a range of sports chosen by the school.

Eight other schools and the Darlington and District Youth and Community Association's outdoor centre at High Force will also share the money.