SPORT in the New Forest is set to receive a £250,000 boost in the wake of the London Olympics .

Council chiefs keen to capitalise on the nation’s new enthusiasm for sport have vowed to help fund the provision of extra recreational facilities in the Lymington area.

They are contributing £113,000 towards the £164,000 cost of upgrading a 90-year-old pavilion used by bowlers and tennis players at Lymington Recreation Ground.

The district council has also agreed to help fund new exercise facilities at Hordle and Everton recreation grounds.

Hordle Parish Council will receive £76,914 towards the cost of installing a wide range of sports equipment, including a ten-way fitness station, in a bid to help teenagers and adults improve their health.

The council cash will come from developers’ contributions – money handed over by builders to fund new amenities near housing schemes approved by the authority.