A POPULAR outdoor activities centre in Ilkley has gained almost quarter of a million pounds towards the ongoing creation of extensive facilities.

The Nell Bank Centre, on Denton Road, this week discovered its bid for New Opportunities Fund cash had been successful. A total of £224,937 is now heading for the Ilkley centre, which provides activities for both able-bodied and disabled schoolchildren, and is a sports and orienteering venue for local clubs.

The cash is expected to add to thousands of pounds still being raised in the final weeks of the Lord Mayor of Bradford's fundraising appeal.

Centre manager Bruce Fowler, said: "We're obviously thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the development of the site, and continue to develop closer links with the local community."

The money will aid ongoing developments at Nell Bank, including the creation of a covered-in 'amphitheatre' teaching area.

Mr Fowler said the facility would enable youngsters to continue their studies at 'outdoor' activities in cold and wet weather, allowing them to look out at the countryside and see points in the landscape such as the Cow and Calf Rocks - a useful landmark for orienteering exercises.

Money will also go towards the centre's new toilet and shower block - an essential for active and potentially muddy outdoor ventures.

Nell Bank could provide activities for facilities for 18,000 schoolchildren and 4,000 members of the wider community over the next two years, says the New Opportunities Fund. The fund is the biggest National Lottery 'good cause' cash distributor. It funds health, education and environment projects.

The latest round of awards saw £12.3million given out to causes in the Yorkshire and Humber area.

The fund's regional manager, Vanessa Druett, said: "Every one of these grants, whether large or small, has a part to play in widening access to quality sports facilities, giving children, young people and their communities the chance to choose a healthier lifestyle, boost their self-esteem and build a positive outlook and sense of achievement."

The New Opportunities Fund money will combine with cash from other sources, including the expected thousands from the Lord Mayor's Appeal. Bradford Lord Mayor, Councillor Allan Hillary, chose the Nell Bank Centre as one of his two charities to support in the current Lord Mayor's Appeal.

It is hoped the appeal, which closes soon, may raise a total of £100,000 - with half of the sum going to Nell Bank.

Mr Fowler is encouraging Wharfedale people to support an all-weekend Jazz Festival over the Spring Bank Holiday. The festival forms one of the last major fundraising drives of the Lord Mayor's Appeal. The festival is centred in Bingley but other venues, including Ilkley's Crescent Hotel, are expected to hold events in support.

Other developments at Nell Bank have recently included extra accommodation for staff and children staying at the centre. One of the next plans is to create a 'sensory garden', which can be enjoyed by all children, including those with hearing or visual impairment. The garden will be dedicated to the memory of the late Lady Mayoress.