AN organisation dedicated to helping sporty schoolchildren is celebrating a big cash boost.

Durham Sport has received a total of £20,000 from Siemens Business Services and Sportsmatch, the Government's sports sponsorship incentive scheme.

Durham Sport, made up of councils and sporting bodies, was set up four years ago to develop sporting opportunities for the county's youngsters.

The money will help it develop coaching, establish junior sports clubs and set up specialist squads to get more youngsters involved in sport.

Siemens Business Services (SBS) runs the Department of National Savings in Durham City and is involved with the city's new Passport Agency office.

Ivan Whitfield, Durham Sport's partnership manager, said: "This is a great day for young people's sport in County Durham and Darlington.

"The fantastic sponsorship from Siemens, along with the Sportsmatch contribution, will ensure that hundreds of young people - many from disadvantaged areas of the partnership - will have the chance to take part in organised sport.

"Hopefully, we may unearth an Olympian or Paralympian of the future in Durham.

"The core funding, especially from Siemens and Sportsmatch, will also allow the partnership to secure over £100,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England, through the Active Sports Programme to be launched in the partnership in the near future. This will enhance the work of the partnership even further."

Mary McLauchlan, SBS's Durham business manager, said the company was delighted to support the organisation.