MORE than £1m is to be invested in youth facilities in Darlington after council chiefs gave approval last night.

Darlington Borough Council was awarded £1,027,000 earlier this year by the Big Lottery Fund and councillors have now approved its release.

Floodlit games areas will be installed at Alderman Leach, Skerne Park and Whinfield primary schools, Dodmire Junior School, Branksome Comprehensive and Carmel RC Technology College.

Outdoor adventure areas will be provided at Firthmoor and Red Hall primary schools, and at Darlington and District Youth Community Association, while Reid Street Primary School will have new playground markings.