A MASSIVE £15 million is to be given to Bolton over the next three years to improve school sports and tackle some of the most deprived areas of the town.

More than £3 million has been given to Bolton Council to build new sports halls and improve sporting facilities across the town.

It is as part of the largest ever Lottery-funded sports programme by the New Opportunities Fund, revealed today.

On top of this, the Government has also revealed another major cash boost for the town, earmarking £12 million over the next three years to improve the quality of life for people living in Bolton's worst hit areas.

Government cash will be released slowly over the next three years to improve Bolton's poorest housing estates.

Both schemes are intended to boost health and tackle social exclusion.

Cllr Linda Thomas, executive member for Education for Bolton Council, has welcomed the extra money to refurbish school sports halls and build new ones.

She said: "I am very pleased with the allocation from the New Opportunities Fund.

"This is a major boost to the provision of facilities for young children and the community.

"We will consult with schools and interested parties to produce a development plan which will put the money to the most effective use."

Cabinet member for Culture, Cllr John Byrne, said the Lottery grant would improve the quality of life for many of Bolton's young citizens.

Tough neighbourhood renewal targets to tackle problem estates across the borough have already been drawn up by the Government.

Bolton Council will now have the task of spending the cash to improve services. Lord Falconer, Regeneration and Neighbourhood Renewal minister, today said: "This is an important milestone, but there can be no room for complacency.

"Deprived communities deserve decent services and a decent chance in life -- that goal remains a top priority.

"Reversing years of decline requires long-term investment as well as new targets and new ways of working."

Bolton Council is putting in a bid for extra Lottery cash to refurbish outdoor adventure playgrounds across the town.