A MOORLAND activity centre is this week celebrating a massive funding boost.

The outdoor education centre at Carlton in Cleveland, in the North York Moors National Park, will now be modernised thanks to a £317,820 award from the national lottery.

The grant is one of a number announced this week to improve sports facilities for young people.

Carlton centre manager Bruce Stainsby said: "This is wonderful news.

"We need funding to renew and modernise some of the centre's buildings, which were constructed in the Thirties and Sixties, to create a centre which meets present day expectations and which has better facilities for the disabled.

"This award will really help us in the first phase of redevelopment, which will focus on modernising the residential accommodation."

Mr Stainsby said the centre was in an exceptional location for providing outdoor education programmes.

"This award will help to kick-start our ambitious plans and ensure Carlton continues to provide valuable life experiences," he said.

The improvements will give 9,000 children and young people from areas such as Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton greater access to outdoor adventures and education.

School jazz

YOUNG jazz musicians at Teesside High School will perform in the school's senior hall on Wednesday at 7pm. The concert also features the live debut of the school's rock band. A collection will be taken towards jazz group funds.