A SCHOOL is celebrating after it was given a complete set of football coaching kits and sports equipment.

Barclays has come to the aid of Lanchester EP Primary School by donating the gear.

The school provides many sporting opportunities for boys and girls aged four to 11-years-old in countryside surroundings.

Football scouts are regularly on the lookout for new talent and the school has already had six sign-ups to the Sunderland Academy.

Mark Stephenson, a teacher at the school, said: "We are really grateful for this new kit which will benefit all the pupils at the school.

"New equipment can prove very costly and this is a great boost for the teams.

"It has been used throughout the school for a wide range of activities and has really given the children the edge, especially in competitions, as they now have real pride and confidence."

Andy Urwin, manager of the Lanchester branch of Barclays, and Kirsty O'Hara, small business manager, presented the kit to the school.

Mr Urwin said: "Barclays is delighted to be supporting Lanchester EP Primary School and hopes the coaching kit will encourage their interest in sport and lead them to even greater success in the future."