IT'S double delight at a Rubery school which has scooped long-awaited funds to improve its playing field and won coveted awards.

Reaside Junior School, in New Inns Lane, is a step closer to revamping its sports field after securing £117,000 from Birmingham Local Education Authority (LEA).

The cash, thanks to the Government's Seed Challenge cash pool initiative, will help pay for fencing, a car park, and changing facilities - they will be shared with Callowbrook Swifts Junior Football Club which uses the land for training and matches.

The scheme will cost around £235,000 and further funding must be sought, probably from the National Lottery and sporting organisations.

Reaside claimed it had a second rate-playing field because inadequate fencing allowed dog walkers and vandals to trespass the site.

The school itself was fenced four years ago following an arson attack but the field opposite its classrooms was left open.

Campaigning school governor Martin Packer is pleased Birmingham LEA recognised the strength of the argument.

He added: "Subject to planning approval from Bromsgrove District Council, residents will benefit from revised parking, taking a lot of parked cars off the roads on match days and the school will share the new building with the Callowbrook Swifts."

Health risks from dog excrement on the field were among concerns - particularly for Swifts chairman Steve Rudge, of The Pines.

He currently takes a shovel around the pitches before youngsters play.

"This is great news for us and the school," said Mr Rudge.

"If we can secure the extra funding we can offer visiting teams more hospitality and provide shelter and toilets for teams."

Reaside headteacher Joan Wheeler was also delighted to reveal the school has scooped a National Primary Award for improving attendance levels and a Healthy School Charter for encouraging more playground games, quiet library sessions and drawing up bullying strategies.