An energy supplier handed out cash to Sussex schools to help improve playgrounds and pay for sports equipment.

For the eighth year running, EDF Energy ran its £15,000 Fit for Fun! award scheme to reward the most creative projects to encourage children to become more active and involved the community.

St Mary's Primary School in Portslade was declared the South-East regional winner and will receive £5,000 to build an outdoor classroom area including amphitheatre, maze and games area.

Martyn Willis, managing director of Newsquest (Sussex), publishers of The Argus, was on the judging panel. He said: "I congratulate EDF Energy in its Fit for Fun! initiative. I think it is demonstrating great leadership in encouraging schools to make fitness in children a key priority.

"Judging the applications was a difficult job because there were so many deserving cases but the generous award fund meant many schools benefited right across East and West Sussex."

EDF Energy's Peter Hofman said: "We congratulate Sussex schools on a diverse range of projects which invest in health and fitness of children by widening recreational opportunities for young people.

"Imaginative playgrounds are a force for good in society by promoting physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle and nurturing the nation's sporting achievers."

The company also ran a Cash for Schools competition giving staff the opportunity to secure funds for their local school for sports equipment.

Carden First and Middle School, Castledean School, Brighton, and Fishersgate First School in Portslade each won £1,000 for sports items.

EDF Energy has pledged £1 million in support and technical expertise to help win votes for the London Olympics and Paralympics bid for 2012. It was the first UK company to become a premier partner of the London 2012 bid team.

A spokesman said: "We believe winning the bid will inspire future Olympians and people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport, benefiting the health of the nation."

May 9, 2005