THE sky's the limit for one Fylde school which has cashed in on lottery funds to build an all-weather artificial sports pitch.

Lytham St Annes High School is set to receive more than £250,000 from the Lottery Sports Fund, as well as £100,000 from the Sports and Arts Foundation and £38,000 from Fylde Borough Council for the project.

The new pitch, expected to be completed in June, is a major coup for the school which has been campaigning for the development for the past four years.

Headteacher Michael Payne says the new pitch means the school will be able to boast a floodlit venue to hold football and hockey district championships.

He said: "Obviously the PE teachers are absolutely delighted that we've managed to get all the financial backing. But planning for the pitch has been a genuine community effort with backing from the county council and the borough council.

He added: "The pitch will be open to the public after school hours until about 9.30pm, during weekends and during the holidays.

"We also hope the new pitch means standards of sport in the school and around the Fylde will be raised."

The project includes new changing rooms, with emphasis on improved facilities for women and provision for the disabled.

Fred Moor, Fylde's director of tourism and leisure, commented: "We are very pleased to have been awarded the money because the pitch is going to benefit to the school and the community at large."

This latest windfall is the second major lottery contribution to Fylde sports facilities . Fylde Rugby Club was given more than £200,000 last year for a new pavilion.

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