SPORTING youngsters will end up winners if four Dorset schools scoop a share of almost £560,000.

Weymouth schools Wey Valley and All Saints, Royal Manor School on Portland and Beaminster School are all bidding for a slice of the £556,000 lottery windfall to improve sports facilities with plans including new tennis courts and all-weather areas.

Wey Valley, which is aiming to gain specialist sports college status, wants to build six new mini-tennis courts and will be hoping the £76,000 bid served up is regarded as an ace by lottery judges.

The proposed grants are part of a total £2.08million Dorset County Council bid to the lottery New Opportunities Fund (NOF), whose final decision is not expected until April 2003.

Wey Valley is working with the Lawn Tennis Association on the project and says the courts, which would be built at the back of the current science block, would be a big boost to the Broadwey and Upwey community.

Head teacher Marcia Headon said: "We've worked closely with the LTA and are hopeful we'll get the grant because this project is very exciting indeed.

"There is a really positive feeling around the school at the moment and we've got our fingers cross that our bid will be accepted," she added.

All Saints' School, Wyke Regis, has applied for £128,000 for a floodlit games area, allowing both pupils and non-pupils to play sport after dark.

Head Tim Balmforth said the school would need to pass a number of inspections and visits by NOF officials before next April if they are to receive any money.

Royal Manor School, Portland, wants to create a new all-weather Astroturf area if it picks up a £119,000 windfall.

Jon Godbold, head of physical education at the school said: "If we get the money we want this area to become the centrepiece of the island.

"We've held talks with Portland United Football Club, Portland Red Triangle Cricket Club and the schools on the island about proposed community use."

Beaminster School has applied for a £233,000 grant to build a new indoor sports hall.

Dave Franks, Dorset County Council's sports development officer, said the schools would act as the central sporting facility in their respective areas.

"The fund is all about improving activity and health levels in the local community as these bids are beneficial to not only pupils but adults as well," he added.