LAND earmarked for east Cleveland's first sports facility has been sold to a community partnership.

Skelton and Gilling Estates sold the recreational ground at Station Road, Skelton, for a token amount so it can be used for community recreational.

The land will be developed to provide the Hollybush Sports Complex, the brainchild of a partnership group in east Cleveland, which wanted to provide a facility for local people.

At a meeting of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee, chairman Councillor Helen McLuckie, who also represents Skelton, said: "It is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Skelton."

Fellow councillor Dave McLuckie added: "I am delighted that we finally managed to buy the land and therefore ensure leisure facilities for years to come."