A ONCE-boggy playing field has been transformed into a dry, safe and clean sports area, boosting PE facilities for local children.

The new court at Hookstone Chase Primary School, Harrogate, will allow a variety of sports and activities to take place all year round.

Costing £42,000, the scheme was made possible by a £36,000 grant from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, the rest being paid for by the school.

The sports court features an all-weather surface, high fencing and double gates for easy access.

It will be used for games skills, netball, football, short tennis, quick cricket and team building exercises.

Hookstone Chase Primary School also looks after children with autistic spectrum disorder, an ailment which means they have difficulties with communications, establishing boundaries and recognising danger.

The sports court will provide them with a safe area for PE.

It will also provide a venue for inter-school matches and will be used by the local Brownies, Beavers and Cubs, Bright Sparks pre-school play group, other schools and the teenage football team, Harrogate Hornets.

Headteacher Alex Fairman said: "Thankfully, it will also put an end to one common aggravation for parents - it will stop their children getting so dirty."