AN EDGESIDE school is celebrating after receiving £30,000 to develop new outdoor sports facilities.

The cash has been awarded to St Anne’s Edgeside CE Primary School as part of Sport England’s £18million National Lottery funded Primary School Facilities to help schools provide multi-activity play areas.

The investment is designed to support those schools in the greatest need of facility improvements and will benefit both pupils at the school and the local community who access the play areas outside school hours.

Charlotte Hartley, head teacher at the school in Ashworth Road, said: “I’m delighted that we have been successful in our bid.

“We are the only school in the area to have received this funding and we are very fortunate indeed.

“The facility will be an outstanding resource which will enhance sport provision during and outside the school day.”

Nick Bitel, Sport England chairman, said: “Having the right space to play sport and be physically active as a child is vitally important.

“We are delighted to be investing this funding in St Anne’s to improve the spaces that will give children the space to start enjoying PE and sport.”

Sebastian Coe, the Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Ambassador, said: “A positive first experience of PE and sport at primary school is crucial to encouraging young people to be active throughout their lives.

“But for those schools with little or no outside space this can be extremely challenging to deliver.

“I am convinced this will boost the opportunities for young people to be physically active.”