Two new outdoor multi-use games areas for a Blackburn schools complex which caters for children who struggle to thrive in mainstream education have been approved.

Councillors have granted planning permission for the new green AstroTurf pitches for The Heights Free School in Heys Lane.

They will also be used by the neighbouring Eden School.

The proposal which also includes the provision of 21 new car parking spaces was approved with nine conditions when Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee met on Thursday night.

The Heights specialises in alternative provision for 150 young people in Key Stages 2 to 4 who find it difficult to be successful in a mainstream school environment. Pupils are taught in small groups.

The Eden School caters for 60 pupils with emotional and mental health difficulties.

There is currently no outside play space or facilities for KS2-KS4 pupils at the schools which have received funding to improve and expand the quality of the school, to give their pupils an education in a setting that will contribute to, not get in the way of, them achieving positive outcomes.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's growth boss Cllr Quesir Mahmood said: "I think it's a good project. It makes a lot of sense."

Ewood Labour councillor Jim Casey said: "It's a really good scheme. They need to go ahead with it."