CHILDREN with special needs are to benefit from a £232,000 project to improve the quality of schools sport.

North Yorkshire County Council's education service has secured funding for the initiative. It will centre on Mowbray School, in Bedale, but will run in all 11 of the county's special schools.

The project is also expected to help children with special needs who are in mainstream schools. It is thought to be the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Councillor Caroline Patmore, executive member for children's services, said: "It is a privilege to be at the forefront of such a scheme that will bring so many benefits to children in North Yorkshire.

"We are all thrilled to secure the funding for what undoubtedly will be a worthy and exciting initiative."

Jonathan Tearle, head- teacher of Mowbray School, is co-ordinating efforts to find a manager to develop the project.

He said: "Research continually highlights the benefits that movement and sporting activities have on children's well-being.

"Many children with profound and complex learning difficulties follow daily physiotherapy programmes and it is very important to give them every opportunity to participate in movement activities."

The initiative is the eighth partnership to be introduced in the North Yorkshire School Sports strategy.

In total, it represents more than £5m of funding for every primary, secondary and special school in North Yorkshire.