A SCHOOL in Melksham is to benefit from new games facilities after securing a £200,000 Lottery grant.

The George Ward School, on Bath Road, will have a multi-use games area built on the premises after governors secured a £217,859 grant through the Big Lottery Fund.

The school will use the money to fund an Astroturf pitch for five-a-side football, hockey, basketball, netball and other sports.

The work, which is due to be completed early in 2005, will see the old tennis courts dug up.

Headteacher Dr Pam Stoate said: "The school is thrilled to have the prospect of sporting facilities worthy of the 21st century.

"We have a significant number of sporting champions who represent England now so we would hope to do even better when we have proper facilities."

The New Opportunities Fund is part of a local education authority bid to improve facilities in schools across the area, with other Wiltshire schools also receiving funding.

Wiltshire County Council's cabinet member for education Cllr William Snow said: "I am delighted work is now starting on new sports facilities at these schools.

"Sport is a vital part of young people's education, and these new multi-use games areas will enable a wide range of team sports to be played."