WORK is under way on a £400,000 project to boost a village's sports and arts facilities.

Ebchester CE Primary School is to get an art room, a hall and a music room.

Headteacher Richard Coombes said: "This is a really important award for the small village of Ebchester.

"It will provide more recreational and leisure opportunities for people in the village and I am looking forward to working more closely with members of the community.

"At the moment, we are busy making plans for the new building so that it can be fully used."

Ebchester is one of eight schools in County Durham that won grants from the Space for Sport and Arts programme, run by the Arts Council and Sport England.

The fund improves primary school facilities, raises educational standards, helps link schools with communities and encourages social inclusion.

The centre will be available to outside community groups. Anyone interested in setting up and running a club should call (01207) 560349.