THE development of women's football - the fastest growing team sport in the country - has been given a boost by the National Lottery.

Under the Awards For All programme a grant of almost £4,000 is on its way to the Harrogate and District Women and Girls' Football Development Group.

The cash will allow the group to help local clubs establish girls' teams and set up a girls' league in the area.

The vice-chairman of the group, Chris Dixon, said the award was important and a lot of effort had gone into the application. She said: "We have a situation where more and more girls want to play football - and now we have the finances to help develop more local teams and establish a league to provide competitive opportunities.

"The development of a girls' league is a huge step forward and we hope this will encourage many more of the established boys' clubs to get involved in girls' football."

Cabinet member for leisure and amenities, Councillor Pat Marsh, said: "Schools and football clubs are working with us to help promote the girls' game. There are four girls' clubs at the moment with many other clubs actively looking at developing them.

"As one of the main providers of leisure in the district, we as a council will do all we can to cater for this growing phenomenon."