CHILDREN helped work start on their new changing rooms.

They were there as digging began at Green Lane, in Redcar, as part of an £800,000 scheme to encourage more young people to take up sport.

Teesside Athletic football club, based in the town, received the cash from the Football Foundation in October.

However, due to the time taken during the planning and paperwork process, the club has only just started building.

It hopes to have the new complex open by the autumn.

The cash has also allowed the club to employ a development officer, Kevin Fryett, who will promote football in the community.

He said: "We are already very active in providing many primary schools with a coaching facility, and this money will allow the club to promote and sustain this facility."

The club welcomes boys and girls and runs a community club on Saturdays from 10am at Green Lane. The cost is £2 a session.

For details call (01642) 470963.