A school is to get more than £2 million of National Lottery cash to build a sports hall.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been awarded the money to build the facilities at Longhill High School in Falmer Road, Rottingdean.

The money is part of a £4 million pot given to schools in the South-East by the New Opportunities Fund to improve and develop sport facilities in schools and communities.

Overall, £17 million is being distributed across England from a £750 million good cause scheme.

Councillor Pat Hawkes, chairwoman of the council's children, families and schools committee, said: "Sport and exercise are very important, both in terms of children fulfilling their potential and in terms of the general health of the population.

"These facilities will be a massive boost not just to Longhill School but also to the wider community."

The £2.16 million grant will be used to establish a four-court sports hall and fitness suite.

A range of sports will feature in the new facility, including basketball, badminton, martial arts, dance and indoor hockey.

Alison Rowe, the New Opportunities Fund regional manager for the South-East, said: "This funding will enable schools and communities across the region to improve and develop their sports and fitness facilities and create amenities that will have a wide and lasting impact.

"By widening access to quality sports facilities, the fund is giving children, young people and communities the opportunity to choose a healthier lifestyle, boosting self-esteem and confidence."

St Andrew's High School in Worthing is to receive £150,000 for a full-sized synthetic floodlit pitch.

A further £45,000 will provide outdoor adventure activity areas for eight primary schools in West Sussex and Bishop Luffa School in Chichester will get £10,000 for an indoor climbing wall.

Angmering School will receive £123,000 to construct a pavilion for team changing and East Sussex County Council will be given £158,000 to develop its Bowles Outdoor Centre.