A SCHOOL sports hall is to be revamped at a cost of £865,000.

The hall at Billingham Campus School will also be available for community use.

A welcome grant of £551,000 towards the cost will come from the New Opportunities Fund with the rest met by Stockton Borough Council and the school.

Design work for the project is under way, and it is hoped work will begin on site in May.

The project aims to modernise the two existing sports halls at the school to accommodate competitive sports.

It will create a dance and fitness studio and there will also be modernisation and an extension to the male and female changing areas.

An entrance lobby, reception and social areas are to be created to allow it to be used by the community.

The school will appoint a sports development officer who will work with out-of-school clubs and the community, and ensure the facilities are well used.

Headteacher David Reach said: "We have been wanting the hall for a long time so we are very excited about the new facility.

"The old hall, which was 40 years old, was adequate but becoming very shabby.

"It will be a superb facility for the local community too, and we hope it will be used to its full potential, by groups such as the tennis and cricket clubs, as well as for aerobics and pilates teaching."

Councillor Alex Cunningham, cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "This should make what is already a good facility into a fantastic facility which will also be available to be used by the community around the school.

"Once completed I am sure the sporting facilities on offer will quickly prove a popular attraction for pupils, parents and everyone in the community."

Kevin Pitt, chairman of the Billingham Parnership, said: "This is a vital part of the redevelopment of the sports facilities in Billingham and the partnership welcomes the funding and wishes to congratulate everyone involved in securing it for the benefit of the local community."