Upper Wharfedale School at Threshfield near Skipton will use its �500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) to build a new sports hall.

In Pickering, Lady Lumley's School is receiving �150,000 of BLF money to improve its existing facilities including a new fitness suite.

The sports facilities at both schools are also used by the local community.

'Challenging targets'

Phil Bennington, head teacher at Upper Wharfedale, said the grant was "very exciting news" as the school is about to become a specialist sports college.

"The new sports hall will enable us to meet our challenging targets.

"We hope it will become a well-used and important facility," he added.

The head at Lady Lumley's School, John Tomsett, said his new facilities should help improve the health of people in the local area.

"We are very grateful for this investment which can only improve the life chances of people of the Pickering and Ryedale area."