HOPES of securing thousands of pounds of funding for a village football pitch have been given a boost.

A feasibility study was carried out yesterday for the Football Foundation, looking at the possibility of redeveloping the playing field in Middleton St George, near Darlington.

If the study is a success, mother Johan Moncur has her sights set on securing a grant of up to £40,000 for a new pitch with space for training and changing rooms.

Youngsters playing for the Middleton Rangers use the existing waterlogged and pot-holed pitch to train on, but play their matches on the cricket ground.

Ms Moncur, who set up the three teams after her son, Robert, said he had nothing to do in the village, said: "It is not practical to play on the cricket field, but the village pitch is an absolute disgrace.

"I'm hoping to get the grant to give the children something to do. The village is not a village anymore because of all the development and I think the youngsters deserve this."

Middleton St George Parish Council agreed on Monday to help with the £1,116 cost of the feasibility study, which they will get back if the grant application is successful.

Councillor Brian Jones said: "Johan has put a lot of work into this and I think we should give her all our support."