Pupils at Rise Carr Primary School, in Darlington, can dress smartly on the sports field after more than £500 was raised for 23 tracksuits.

Judith Thompson, a nursery nurse at the school, who runs a number of after-school sports clubs, said she had applied for a National Lottery grant to pay for the tracksuits.

Ms Thompson said: "When the Lottery grant was turned down some local businesses stepped in and saved the day. We are so grateful."

A number of companies, included Darlington Timber Supplies, Bargain Tiles, Darlington Aggregates and Sardi's Restaurant, helped raise £550 for the kit.