REDDITCH is to lead the way in sporting excellence after netting its biggest lottery windfall of more than £1 million.

The money, from the lottery's Sport England and New Opportunities Fund, will transform Redditch Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Club in Batchley into a premier sports facility.

Redditch is one of the first towns in the country to be awarded the money as part of Sport England's Active England Programme to provide new or improved sporting facilities in disadvantaged areas.

The programme aims to encourage community projects and target specific groups such as older people and families.

Redditch Council project development manager Kevin Cook said the council had wanted to do something to support Batchley ward as it was the most deprived in Redditch.

He said: "The council was first to inject £500,000 into the scheme and then we submitted a bid to Sport England.

"With the money, we will be building new first and second team rugby pitches with floodlighting, new artificial turf hockey pitch and we'll be putting in new cricket practice wickets.

"We will be providing new changing facilities and extending and refurbishing the current changing rooms and squash courts. We will also be extending the social facilities. We will be working on the whole project in partnership with the county council and nearby schools."

There will be a dedicated development worker based at the club and Surestart, which supports families with children under four, will run programmes from the site along with Redditch Primary Care Trust.

Mr Cook said they would be leading the way with the Government's initiative to get everyone exercising five times a week.

"We are already putting together a walking programme to launch in the community," he said.

Midlands Rugby Football Union has also agreed to inject about £40,000 into the massive project.

Mr Cook said: "The RFU has chosen Redditch as a priority area for development. They want to develop training and have schools of excellence. Hopefully, we might find the next Jonny Wilkinson in Redditch."

A Sport England spokesman said the need for enhanced sports facilities in Batchley had been clearly demonstrated by the council.

"The Active England funding will allow the multi-sports club to continue to thrive as a community sports hub.

"In addition, the proposed partnerships and development work will result in the site being a focal point for much more than competitive sport and become a valued community resource," the spokesman added.

Work on the site will be completed by March.