A Teesside school is become a specialist centre for hockey after receiving nearly £500,000 for sports investment.
Egglescliffe Comprehensive School, at Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, will spend the money on a synthetic surface pitch and upgrading the changing rooms.
The school has received £350,000 from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund and the rest of the money will come from Stockton Local Education Authority and the school's own funds.
Headteacher Angela Darnell said the sporting facilities would be open to surrounding primary schools and community groups.
She said that it would be used by Stockton Hockey Club and the National Hockey Association were hoping to use the school as a base for promoting the sport across Teesside.
Ms Darnell said: "Hockey is the second fastest growing sport among young people after football and it is something boys and girls can play together.
"Our receiving the Lottery money is all part of the Government's strategy to encourage young people to lead healthier lifestyles and hockey can be part of that."
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