PRIMARY schools in Cumbria are to receive fresh funding as part of a £150 million to improve PE lessons. Most local schools will gain nearly £9,000 under the scheme, according to Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.

The PE and sport premium allocations for maintained schools, free schools and academies, including conditions of grant were announced by the Department for Education on Tuesday.

Local schools gaining a share of cash from the scheme, include Flookburgh CofE Primary School (£8,305), Ambleside CofE Primary School (£8,405), Grange CofE Primary School (£8,505), Allithwaite CofE Primary School (£8,405), Old Hutton CofE School (£8,305), Sedbergh Primary School (£8,660) and Milnthorpe Primary School (£8,670).

Research shows that nine out of 10 schools have already improved the quality of their PE lessons as a result of the funding - and more than 90 per cent of school reported improvements in children’s health, behaviour and lifestyle.

Analysis shows, too, that primary school pupils are spending more time in PE lessons. Last year, pupils spent an average of 122 minutes every week doing PE - up by 13 minutes from the previous year.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: "This money means children in Cumbria will be able to take part in even more sport in primary schools. Sport can help children to build confidence, understand teamwork and, above all, stay healthy.

"I was determined to make sure we take advantage of the enthusiasm we saw during the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The best legacy of these Games would be more children taking part in sport and learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle."