A BIG Lottery Fund scoop of almost £200,000 for play facilities in Fareham has brought a boost for young people in the borough.

The award was part of a £7.8m package for the south-east.

Fareham's bid was for £199,500, which will pay for a three-year play ranger post.

The role will involve organising and supervising a range of leisure activities for children and young people across the borough.

The windfall will be used to organise five play events over the next three years for youngsters aged 11-19.

Younger children will also benefit from the hire of a play bus to take play opportunities to children aged five to 12.

Youngsters aged 13-19 will also see the introduction of permanent recreation facilities in Fareham Park Recreation Ground and there will be a multi-use games area, a hard surface court for football, basketball and other ball games, a mini ramp for skaters, boarders and BMXers, along with a youth shelter and lighting.