Youngsters from a disadvantaged area of north Wales are set to benefit from a grant of nearly �170,000.

The grant from the Sports Council for Wales will be used to expand an adventure playground in Rhyl in Denbighshire.

The Rhyl adventure playground association plays a vital role in the community

Gareth Davies Sports Council for Wales

The bulk of the funds will be invested in two games areas for football, basketball and tennis.

Two years ago one part of the town, Rhyl West, was found to be the poorest part of Wales in a report by the Welsh Assembly and local authorities.

An additional �25,000 will be made available over a three year period to develop sports activities for youngsters living in the south west area of the town.

Gareth Davies, chairman of the Sports Council for Wales, said he was pleased the organisation could offer financial help.

The grant has been welcomed in Rhyl

"I'm delighted that the Sports Council is supporting the project and the 100% funding demonstrates the commitment to social inclusion projects in north Wales.

"The Rhyl adventure playground association plays a vital role in the community."

The funding will increase employment prospects in the region and new coaching posts will be advertised.

Training will be provided for people to become sports coaches and a mentoring service will be introduced.

This is designed to integrate youngsters into local sports clubs.