DISADVANTAGED children in Middlesbrough are to benefit from an out-of-hours sports scheme which has been supported by £95,000 from the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund.

The project is led by the town's Kings Manor School and Sports College, and aims to increase participation and raise achievement among disaffected youngsters.

The scheme, called It's New, It's Fun, It's Free, will include 32 Middlesbrough schools, offering children aged from five to 19 access to opportunities in PE and sport.

It will target under-achieving young people and those with special needs.

Organisers hope to challenge inequalities, with the aim having a lifelong effect on their health and attitude.

Activities will include inter-school competitions for primary school pupils.

There will also be number of activities, including dance, trampolining and aerobics, which will be specifically for girls.

Pupils will also be able to take part in canoeing, dinghy-sailing and white-water rafting.

Children from Priory Woods School who have severe learning difficulties will be able to try sailing.

New Opportunities Fund regional manager for the North-East Margaret Parker said: "As well as removing barriers to involvement in sport, these activities allow people to engage in the wide range of innovative and worthwhile activities.

"This new round of funding for school sports coordinators will help thousands more young people in the North-East to set and achieve their own personal goals, build confidence and self-esteem, and gain from wider health and attainment benefits."