A DOMESDAY Book of all sporting facilities in the country is to be drawn up for the first time in a bid to ensure that investment goes to the most important areas and facilities.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, announcing the plans, said that everything from football grounds to bowling greens would be included on the database.

At present, information on sports facilities is held by a number of organisations, but it is inconsistent around the country and does not cover all facilities.

The minister said that a strategic step had to be taken if England was to have a chance to be top in sport, in terms of elite performance and grassroots.

Tessa Jowell said: "To make a real difference to grassroots sport in this country, we need a clear picture of what our provision is now.

"Then we can plan future investment, so that it has the greatest positive impact."

She said: "I want anyone to be able to find out simply and easily where their nearest facilities are, to play badminton, go bowling or learn to swim."