Grants of more than £340,000 have been awarded to youngsters in Sussex to develop sports activities outside school hours.

The cash comes from the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund and the aim is to motivate pupils and build self-esteem.

Dorothy Stringer High School, in Brighton, has been awarded £75,944, which will fund a diverse programme of sporting activities.

Andy Marchant, the school's director of sport, said: "This is really good news.

"The funding will allow us to target children who have not yet engaged in out-of-school activities, providing positive and worthwhile experiences to help build confidence and self-esteem."

Students at 25 schools across East Sussex will benefit from a £75,960 award to support a programme of sports based at William Parker Boys School in Hastings.

Programme development manager Ian Gillespie said: "The award will enable us to reach a lot of children quickly. We can now flesh out a skeleton of activities and get maximum benefit from the links which exist between schools, clubs and the council."

A further £75,960 will go to Hailsham Community College.

The money will fund athletics, a gym, an activity club and a sporting festival at the end of the year. At Angmering School, £113,940 has been ear-marked for a project aimed at addressing the lack of sports provision in the area.

Pupils with disabilities and social problems will be encouraged to attend sessions in badminton, table tennis, cricket, netball, gymnastics, dance and girls football.