PRIMARY schools on Teesside have been given help to enable more youngsters to get involved in football.

Eighteen of Hartlepool's primary schools are being given £200 by the Football Association - £100-worth of football equipment and £100 towards the cost of organising footballing activities.

The funding is to encourage more children to play the game, particularly those who may lack the opportunity or self-confidence.

The work will be led by Hartlepool Borough Council's sports development team and local football clubs.

Andy Brown, regional development officer for Durham Football Association, said: "We are delighted to offer this new investment. These new opportunities will help local school sport partnerships to get children to develop their motivation, health and attainment levels, not just on the pitch but, hopefully, in the classroom as well."

Paul Jackson, council partnership development manager said the council was delighted by the awards.