MILLIONS of pounds of Government funding has been secured to give youngsters better sporting opportunities in schools.

North Yorkshire had already been in line to receive £3m from the Government. But council officials pressed for more cash because of the county's size and rural make-up.

Their bid was successful, and now the county is to receive an extra £2m over the next three years. That means all schools will be able to provide pupils with two hours of PE and sport each week by 2008.

The money is being used to create School Sport Partnerships. Each partnership will receive about £600,000 over three years, with the chance for a further £16,000 a year for expert coaching, transport, facilities or equipment.

The partnerships will be run by a development manager and guided by lead schools.

Among the eight lead schools are Thirsk School, Risedale Community College in Catterick Garrison and Lady Lumley's School in Pickering.

Each lead school heads their district's partnership of secondary schools, with each school being represented by a sport co-ordinator.

The co-ordinator looks at ways of improving sports provision in their own school and works with teachers at feeder primary schools.

Heather Newman, PE and school sport consultant, said: "We know high quality PE can make a positive difference to attendance, motivation, attainment and behaviour, so this money will bring benefits across the curriculum.

"It can be used to enhance not just sport but all physical activities, from dance to walking, skate-boarding to climbing.

"By getting funding for eight partnerships, we have been proportionately advantaged, which is fantastic news for children across North Yorkshire.

"Every school in the county can be involved and have access to this funding.

"By creating the capacity to deliver more extra-curricular activities, it is hoped that this will revitalise club and community links and create leadership opportunities for young people."

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for education, said: "It will help us provide more resources for gifted young people to play at the level appropriate to their talent; to offer a broader range of activities to engage more young people and thus raise self-esteem; and will improve links between primary and secondary schools."