SCHOOLS have received a £500,000 cash boost to improve sports facilities in Bolton.

Nine schools across the borough have received the cash from the Big Lottery Fund.

And Brownlow Fold Primary School, Darley Street, Bolton, has received the largest slice, with a £102,000 award to develop a floodlit multi-use games area.

The school's 220 pupils and another 80 from visiting schools, will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as football, netball and basketball.

Thornleigh Salesian RC College, Sharples Park, has received £81,000 to create a full size synthetic turf pitch.

Little Lever High School has received £26,000 to refurbish a sports hall for cricket development so that the school can become a major centre for the sport.

Assistant headteacher David Hutchinson said: "We're absolutely over the moon with the news.

"The cash will go towards new cricket nets, painting and refurbishment of the hall.

"We have a lot of talented cricketers here. We reached a national final a couple of years ago and we want to continue that success.

"Both Darcy Lever and Little Lever cricket teams use the school facilities for their indoor winter training so this is a boost for the whole community."

St Mary's Primary School, Horwich, will be able to build an activity trail consisting of a range of fixed equipment and playground markings, thanks to their £44,000 allocation.

And St Peter and Paul's RC School, Pilkington Street, Bolton, will be able to create indoor PE facilities as their £15,000 will enable them to replace the existing school hall floor with a new sports friendly wooden floor.

Four other schools are also set to receive a share of the funds to improve existing sports facilities.

Hayward Secondary School will get £80,000 for upgrading the sports changing rooms and All Saints Primary School £48,000 to develop a multi-use game area.

St James Primary School gets £84,500 for work extending a storeroom to create more space in the sports hall.

And Brandwood School receives £19,200 to finance two zoned, fenced sports area with playground markings.

Tessa Wiley, Big Lottery fund regional manager for the North-west said: "Every one of these new facilities is creating new opportunities to take part in sport and to get fit and have fun, not just for school users but for their local communities as well.

"This funding represents an investment in our schools, the health and fitness of our young people and communities and our sporting future."

The Big Lottery Fund was formed by the merger of the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund. It is the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors.