GRASS roots football in Burnley has been given a boost with thanks to a £9,000 grant for a community sports scheme.

The Football Foundation, a body which tries to improve the sport at grass roots level, has given the cash to Burnley Splash to fund the development of a coaching and community education programme.

The award means extra football coaches could soon be helping hundreds of local youngsters to develop their skills.

Burnley Splash applied for funding from the Football Foundation to develop the scheme and today Burnley's MP Peter Pike received a letter from Peter Lee, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, to confirm that the organisation was making funds available.

Burnley Splash is a voluntary organisation which has been running since 1992, providing an affordable programme of sport, recreation, arts, cultural and education activities for 450 young people throughout the school holidays.

Peter Pike said: "I am delighted to hear this latest support The Football Foundation is giving to our town."