SPORTS facilities at several schools and venues across the Caerphilly county borough are set to receive a £3.28 million boost in Lottery funding.

Nine projects for the area have been given initial approval by the New Opportunities Fund - and the first schemes could go ahead next year.

Blackwood Comprehensive would be one of the first to get new facilities, which include a floodlit synthetic turf pitch.

The school is set to receive £270,000 towards the pitch, refurbished changing accommodation and a dedicated PE teaching area.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge, who is a governor at the school, said he was very pleased with the project and that it would be a major boost to the facilities at the school.

"The benefits to the school and community will be second to none," he added.

Another of the first schemes would be a conversion of the Ynys Hywel Outdoor and Adventure Centre at Cwmfelinfach, pictured.

This will be turned into a 40-bed outdoor activities centre, and equipment stores, lifts, drying rooms and changing facilities will all be installed, at a cost of £305,000.

Ynysddu Primary needs £52,000 to extend and refurbish its hall so that PE can be taught, while Islwyn Scouts are set to get £20,000 to upgrade the heating system at their outdoor adventure area at Treowen, to allow residential use during the winter.

Members of Caerphilly council's cabinet will receive information about the progress of the schemes at a meeting tomorrow.

Peter Gomer, head of lifelong learning and leisure, said in a report: "The development of all the New Opportunities Fund projects will make a significant difference to the delivery of PE and sport in the borough.

"The benefits will lead to a healthier community."