EXTRA community sports facilities for the people of Richmond should be ready for use in the New Year.

Earlier this year, Richmondshire District Council's community committee released £150,000 funding towards Richmond School's project to extend its sports hall.

The first instalment of £50,000 was made last month, with the remainder paid in the run-up to the January completion date. The £600,000 project will provide an extra 4,500sq ft of recreation space.

"We are committed to improving sports and recreation provision throughout the district," said the chairman of the community committee, Yvonne Peacock.

"With the extra hall space being created on the site, Richmond residents will really benefit from the extended facilities on offer here."

The facilities will be managed by Richmondshire Leisure Trust.

Headteacher Phil Beever said: "The school governors recognise the importance to the local community of access to recreation facilities in the town. The partnership between the council and the school has made a major contribution to meeting this need."