SPORT England has agreed to invest close on £1m in an innovative water sports centre on the River Tees.

Currently under construction on the north bank for the Tees river users' trust, the £1.5m centre will accommodate several water sports clubs and provide boat storage, social and training space. It is due for completion in September.

It will also provide opportunities for more use of the tidal-free stretch of water, which includes a 1,000m international standard rowing lane made possible by the construction of the Tees barrage in 1987.

Sport England's confirmation of its £959,530 investment has been welcomed by members of the river trust.

Mr John Hayward, provost of the university of Durham's Stockton campus, said by locating university rowing in the centre, and promoting water sports to its students, many people would be able to take part in a range of activities.

Coun Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton Borough Council, commented: "The construction of the Tees barrage had produced a stretch of still, clear water of local, regional and national significance. Now there is an excellent opportunity to develop water sports in the heart of an urban area."