A SCHEME to develop youth rugby in schools in Derwentside has had a major boost.

Consett and District Rugby Club is receiving £10,000 for the schools programme from the Government's business sponsorship incentive scheme Sports Match, and £10,000 from UK Sportsgear Ltd.

The grant follows last year's £300,000 award to develop a youth rugby centre of excellence and ground redevelopment. The club raised a further £100,000.

The club plans to build the Derwentside Youth Rugby of Excellence at their ground off Medomsley Road in the close season. Club members, including chairman John O'Connor, already make regular trips to local schools to encourage interest in the sport.

North-West Durham MP and Government chief whip Hilary Armstrong, who will present the £10,000 cheque to the club today, said: "I'm delighted to be handing over this funding, it is a testament to the hard work of the committee.