A £1.5m sports complex could soon be created in east Cleveland.

The aim of the Hollybush Activity Centre, in Skelton, would be to improve the lifestyles of people by providing sports, health and play opportunities.

It is also hoped that the centre would help curb anti-social behaviour among youngsters by allowing them the opportunity to take part in sports in their own area.

More than 1,000 local people have supported the scheme, which has been under discussion for the past seven years.

The proposed centre is waiting for the go-ahead from Sport England. It would be developed on a former recreation site in Station Road.

The centre would include an activity centre, which could be used for a variety of purposes, an all-weather sports pitch, plus floodlighting.

It is the brainchild of the Hollybush Management Committee, a partnership between Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and a number of organisations in east Cleveland including Cleveland Police, Skelton and Brotton Parish Council, sports and leisure groups and schools.

There would also be a refurbishment of the existing turf pitch, and a coach and car park.

The centre would have a small activity hall, changing facilities, cafe area, kitchen, toilets, a bowls pavilion, first aid room, reception area, fitness suite, two meeting rooms and a viewing area.

Redcar and Cleveland council told Sports Lottery that the centre would cost a total of £1,551,800.

So far, £388,000 has been secured through the Single Regeneration Budget, Skelton and Brotton Parish Council and local fundraising. The borough council has agreed to meet a shortfall of £227,000.

Skelton councillor Dave McLuckie said he was delighted.

"It is fantastic," he said. "It has been a community project right from the start, and we now hope to have a favourable decision from Sport England in the very near future, to provide what will be the first and best rural sports centre in east Cleveland.