A CAMPAIGN to create a village sports area has received a £1,000 boost.

Residents at Middleton Tyas want to raise £35,000 to enable them to attract a £100,000 grant from the National Lottery's New Opportunities fund.

They formed a community association to provide a games area on the school field, with changing rooms and an equipment store. The pitch will be marked out for tennis, netball, basketball and five-a-side football and will be available to all the community.

The North-Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op's community dividend scheme has given the fundraisers £1,000.

The Co-op scheme supports projects providing long-term community benefits.