TENS of thousands of pounds are being invested in transforming Physical Education in schools in the Knutsford and Holmes Chapel area.

All Knutsford and Holmes Chapel primary schools received a slice of a £23million government-allocated fund last week.

The funding is the latest boost from the PE and Sports Premium, a fund worth more than £150million a year which is used to recruit hundreds of extra PE teachers, buy new equipment and offer a wider range of sports and clubs.

Some of the schools to benefit from the boost include High Legh Primary, which was allocated £8,490, Egerton Primary School, which received £8,995, Goostrey Primary School, which was allocated £8,935, and Holmes Chapel Primary School, which received £9,600.

Minister for Children and Families Edward Timpson said: “As part of our plan for education, we want all children to get into the habit of playing and enjoying sport in primary school as it can help instil confidence, discipline and determination.

“Thanks to our PE and Sports Premium, primary schools are offering more and better quality sport programmes – and this funding boost will help headteachers go further.

“Whether a child is a potential future Olympic champion or a keen amateur like me – I want them all to be given the chance to fulfil their sporting potential.”

The latest PE and Sports premium allocation is the second of three annual payments worth a total of over £450million which this government is committed to giving to schools.

The funding, introduced in 2013, goes directly to primary school head teachers so that they can decide how best to use it to provide PE and sporting activities for pupils.

Sue Wilkinson, from the Association for PE, said: “We are extremely pleased that headteachers are using their funding to increase the amount of time spent on curriculum physical education, and improving learning opportunities for teachers so they can deliver the very best quality lessons.

“Since the initial investment, evidence demonstrates a transformational shift with physical education and sport driving whole school improvement and making a significant contribution to young peoples’ health and well-being.

“We hope that with the continued investment schools will continue to create a sustainable legacy for PE and sport.”