A SOUTHAMPTON school is on its way to having a new sports hall thanks to a lottery grant.

Bitterne Park Secondary School has been awarded a £779,919 grant to improve its sports facilities.

The money will be used to build a new four-court sports hall.

The complex will not only benefit the school's 1,335 pupils, but also 1,539 pupils from five feeder schools.

It is estimated the wider community will also make 60,000 visits to the facility which will include facilities for netball, badminton, gymnastics and martial arts.

David Griffiths, deputy head teacher said: "Bitterne Park is delighted to receive the support of the New Opportunities Fund in gaining an urgently-needed sports hall.

"This will enable the quality of physical education facilities to rise substantially for our pupils.

"It will also be an important new asset for the local community, open during evenings, weekends and school holidays and contributing to the improved health and fitness of residents."

Southampton's Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre has also struck lucky with a £493,866 grant.

The money will be spent on building an extra classroom and new changing rooms.

With these improvements the centre, that offers outdoor adventure activities, will be able to better cater for 85 local schools and 8,700 users from the wider community.

Alison Rowe, regional manager of the New Opportunities Fund which distributes lottery money, said: "Every one of these grants, whether large or small, has a part to play in widening access to quality sports facilities, giving children, young people and communities the chance to choose a healthier lifestyle, boost their self-esteem and confidence and build a positive outlook and sense of achievement."