CHILDREN at a village school will be well equipped on the sports field when the new term starts next month.

South Hetton Primary School, in east Durham, has been awarded a £500 grant from the Barclays Spaces for Sports programme.

It will be used to supply sports equipment, including warm-up fleeces, bags, caps, whistles, stop-watches, first-aid kits, and playing kit.

Headteacher David Loomes said it would help the school with its many sporting activities "for years to come".

Nic Gault, sponsorship director for Barclays, said he hoped the award - part of a £30m three-year support programme - will encourage more children at the school to take up sport.