An official turf-cutting ceremony will mark the start of the development at Eckington School.

It is being funded by the government's New Opportunities Fund for PE and Sport, which aims to help cut obesity in both children and adults.

Councillor Alan Charles, of the county council, said it would help improve the range of sports activities.

'Active lives'

He said: "This is a brilliant project which will dramatically improve the range of sporting activities in which pupils can participate.

"It will also help improve provision for local people.

"The government is keen to encourage schools to put on more sporting activities as part of their agenda of tackling problems of obesity and encouraging young people to lead more active lives."