THREE village primary schools in North Yorkshire are to benefit from improved sporting facilities thanks to a National Lottery handout totalling more than £283,000.

Hundreds of pupils and community users will soon be able to make use of sports halls which will be funded with money awarded through the New Opportunities Fund.

Sutton-on-the-Forest Primary School, near Easingwold, has secured the highest award of £109,620 to provide a new one court hall with storage space.

Lythe Primary School, near Whitby and Topcliffe Primary School, near Thirsk are using their awards to extend and improve their existing sports halls.

All three projects aim to enhance the range and quality of activities available for teaching physical activity to children.

They are also designed to improve access for members of local communities.