A new £133,000 modern language grant for primary school pupils in Brighton and Hove could spawn a new generation of sophisticated multi-linguists.

The money will be spent on helping staff to develop new teaching skills and increasing the pool of native foreign language speakers in schools.

Brighton and Hove was among 19 councils nationwide to get an award from the Government to develop language learning among children aged seven to 11.

This was largely due to the work of Hove Park Secondary school, a specialist language centre, which has linked up with two nearby primary schools to develop lesson plans.

The school in Nevill Road, West Blatchington, has even appointed a primary language co-ordinator to work with Hangleton Junior school and Goldstone Junior school.

It is hoped the techniques and teaching methods employed at Hove Park will be introduced to other schools over the next year.

Ann Bolton, headteacher at Hangleton Junior School in Dale View, Hove gives special French assemblies which staff, depending on their own language skills, can follow up in class.

She said: "The children absolutely love it and I have had reports from parents that they have been amazed how confident their children have been abroad."

Schools councillor Pat Hawkes said: "This is brilliant news. Primary age children are very receptive to language learning and this will give many children a chance they might not otherwise have got to discover a love of languages and really thrive at secondary level.

"I think it's very significant in terms of the broader development of our children, particularly within the context of our position as a key European tourist destination."