SOUTH Craven School has announced it is applying for floodlit sports facilities which will also be available for the wider community.

This school sought planning permission three years ago for a Sports Dome.

However, it now says that after working with local sports groups and partner organisation School Lettings Solutions (SLS), it realises that what is actually needed in the area is access to floodlit astroturf facilities.

A spokesman for South Craven explained: "We've worked very hard with consultants to ensure that up-to-date LED floodlights are used, both for efficiency and so that the light is clearly focussed on the facilities.

"The plan will mean that a full-size third generation pitch, a smaller astroturf pitch which can be used for five-a-side, netball or possibly tennis and four further tennis courts or three netball courts will be lit.

"This will allow for much greater use by the school for extra curricular clubs and fixtures, as well as for community use within the existing hours that the facilities are currently used for."

South Craven head teacher Dr Andrew Cummings said: “I am delighted that we can now take forward this major investment in sport.

"It has been a frustrating process over the last three years, but we are now confident we have the right plan and will be able to use the money we've carefully saved to improve facilities not only for our students, but also the wider community.”