SPORT in north west schools has received a £5.2m early Christmas present from the National Lottery.

The region gets funding for 16 projects from the Lotto's New Opportunities Fund.

Among the handouts are £1.58m for a new sports hall at Whitworth community high school, Rossendale, and £1.35m to provide a sports hall at Alder Grange community and technology school, also in Rossendale.

Sir Thomas Boteler high school in Warrington receives £1m for a sports facility. In Bury, Woodbank primary has landed £12,750 for an outdoor fitness trail and St Gabriels RC high £6,000 for new cricket facilities.

Guardian Angels RC primary, in Bury, will get £8,600 for a new artificial cricket practice area.

Marton primary, in Blackpool, has been granted £73,000 for a games area.

Whitworth high headteacher Neil Robinson said: "We are all delighted with the news that the community sports development is to go ahead."

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