YOUNGSTERS at a new roller hockey club are on the ball after scooping a £2,500 grant to buy sports equipment.

The money will be used to buy balls, sticks, goals and roller boots for West Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club, for children aged between eight and 12.

The group was given the grant by the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT), whose outreach community worker, Richie Andrew, said: "The young members of the hockey club are over the moon about being awarded this pot of cash.

"They can't wait to get out on to the rink and start playing with their new equipment.

"It will be a real treat for them as they have had to borrow equipment since the club was launched last month."

Children from Whinney Banks, West Lane and Newport have so far joined the group.

The sessions are held at Newport Settlement, St Paul's Road, Middlesbrough, on Saturdays from 11am to noon, and cost £1.50.

Joan Ford, chairman of WMNT, which manages the £52m New Deal for Communities regeneration scheme in West Middlesbrough, said she was happy to help because the group played a vital role in the community.

She said: "Not only is roller hockey good fun, it's a great way for children to keep fit and healthy and make new friends."