OLYMPIC stars of the future could be cultivated in Saltburn after planners gave the go-ahead to the development of a sports facility.

The all-weather running track and multi-sports pitch - the first of its kind in the area - will be based at Marske Mill Lane.

The centre will be used by Huntcliff School and the East Cleveland Track and Athletic Association for both school and community activities.

The scheme won the whole-hearted approval of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee.

Coun Vera Moody said: "The athletics clubs in the area have been looking for a home for a number of years and I am pleased to see they have finally found one. It is going to be an excellent facility for the residents of Redcar and Cleveland."

Coun Dave McLuckie said: "What we will see here is the achievements of young people in East Cleveland increasing so they get up there with the best of them. More young people will take advantage of the facility and we will see fewer young people hanging about with nothing to do."

Graham Hall of New Marske Harriers Athletics Club was delighted that the council approved of the scheme and said it was now full steam ahead with an application for Lottery cash.

He said the facility, which will hopefully open by April 2003, will benefit international athletes such as Stephen Hepples, who lives at Hinderwell and trains in Darlington, as well as young people in East Cleveland.