SPORT in Hambleton district could be given a boost with a new all-weather pitch.

A feasibility study is now under way into the possibility of creating a floodlit pitch in Bedale.

The project, which is being led by Bedale High School and the local authority, features in the district's leisure strategy.

A possible site has already been earmarked, behind the leisure centre in Firby Road. The estimated cost is £340,000 and would rely on National Lottery funds.

The scheme is part of a district-wide sports development plan.

One of the aims of the football development scheme in Bedale is to find ways of getting local sports organisations, schools, teams and the county FA to work together.

Hambleton's head of tourism and leisure, David Goodwin, said that, while there was no shortage of volunteers, there was a lack of properly qualified coaches. The council was addressing this by starting courses locally.

Discussions are also taking place to draw up similar development plans for other sports, including hockey, tennis and netball.