Work has begun to tackle drainage problems and provide better playing surfaces at sports pitches across Hartlepool following a grant from Sport England.

Worth more than £230,000 over three years, the grant from the New Opportunities Fund will pay for improvements to pitches at Grayfields, Rift House, Seaton Park/Dodds Field, King George V, Rossmere Way and Central Park.

Work is being carried out by Hartlepool Council's Direct Services Organisation.

Hartlepool Mayor, Stuart Drummond, said: "The Council is committed to providing sporting facilities of the highest quality and these improvements will reflect that.

"Hopefully, the project will result in better surfaces and playing conditions for the hundreds of sportsmen and women who use out pitches every week."