A SILSDEN primary school is to benefit from a £73,000 grant for sports facilities.

Hothfield Primary School has been awarded the money from the New Opportunities Fund as part of an £8 million project to improve school and community facilities across Bradford district.

Steeton Primary School has also been awarded £6,000.

The portfolio of schemes was submitted to the New Opportunities Fund, and the council will now move on to stage two of the process, which will involve drawing up detailed plans, partnership arrangements and business plans for all the individual schemes.

Headteacher at Hothfield School Bill Bairstow said: "We are considering the options at the moment and hope to improve the play ground with a multi-use games area. It would be used by the school during the day and the community during the early evenings.

"We are expecting something to happen in the New Year."

The plans will go out to consultation before they go ahead.

Coun David Ward, the executive member for education at Bradford, said: "We are delighted that our initial plans have been accepted by the New Opportunities Fund.

"The work will greatly expand the sporting life of the area for both youngsters and the wider community. We know that good sports and PE facilities can play a major part in helping to raise standards, not just in PE but across other areas."

The schemes are expected to take three years to complete.