CHILDREN in Hartlepool are celebrating after learning that one of the town's sporting facilities is to be transformed.

It is hoped work at the King George V Recreation Ground, in West View, will start as early as June thanks to £417,000 from the Sport England Lottery.

The work will involve building a pavilion with changing and community facilities, a floodlit multi-use area and skating facility.

The existing football and rugby pitches will remain.

A Sport England spokesman said: "Sport England is delighted to support this real grassroots project in a priority area, which has true community sport.

"It will make a real difference, especially to the young people of the area, who have fully participated in the consultation process.