SEVERAL Droitwich schools can now expand on their reputations as centres of excellence in sport, thanks to a new Government grant.

Dodderhill, St Peter's First, and Droitwich Spa High schools have been given a total of £19,600.

The money will allow the schools to set up partnerships with local sports groups, with the emphasis on gymnastics, athletics, trampolining and dance.

Among other things it will also mean extra equipment can be bought and after-school sessions set up.

"The idea is to develop and promote sporting and health opportunities for young people in Droitwich," said director of sport John Humfrees.

"Droitwich High was given specialist sports college status in the subject three years ago and hopefully, through the changes, pupils have been able to develop confidence, good relationships, and respect, through participation in PE and sport.

"One way in which they can do this is by taking advantage of the tremendous link the schools now has with local clubs and societies, such as the Amateur Athletics Club and Droitwich Spa Community Dance Association.

"The money will expand on all of this as well as being used to pay for courses for teachers to improve their coaching skills, and also to bring in professional coaches from outside the schools."

The money is part of a £1m boost by Schools Standards Minister David Miliband.

The on-running scheme, to encourage greater co-operation between state and independent schools, has already funded 220 partnerships across the UK in the last six years.

"This donation means an awful lot to the area and we hope it will give hundreds of pupils the best sporting chance in life," added Mr Humfrees.