YOUNG County Durham sports enthusiasts have been given a big cash boost.

Siemens Business Services and Sportsmatch, the Government's sports sponsorship incentive scheme, are each giving £10,000 to Durham Sport, a partnership of councils and sporting bodies, launched in 1996.

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

Siemens Business Services 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: "The fantastic sponsorship from Siemens, along with the Sportsmatch contribution, will ensure that hundreds of young people, will have the chance to take part in organised sport."

The partnership also hopes to secure more than £100,000 of National Lottery funding