Bridgwater will boast a national training centre for young people pursuing a career in the sports and leisure industry thanks to a six-figure grant.

Chilton Trinity Sports Centre has been chosen to host the South-West National Skills Academy for Active Leisure after a grant of £253,000 was awarded to Somerset Leisure Trust by the Government-backed Skills Funding Agency.

The centre will provide education and training across the sports and leisure industry for school leavers, apprentices and volunteers, and the grant will fund essential gym equipment, a training room and computers.

Somerset County Council targeted the sports centre to coincide with the Building Schools for the Future project at Chilton Trinity Technology College, and it will also help train stewards and volunteers for next year's Olympic games.

Jim Hill, manager of Chilton Trinity Sports Centre, said: “It is a tribute to the calibre of staff, who work for Chilton Trinity Sports Centre and Somerset Leisure Trust, that they will be delivering this service.

“The investment is great news for the centre as it will raise its profile regionally.

“Providing a well-trained workforce for the demands of the sports and leisure industry is a vital and very important role for Chilton Trinity to be involved with and we have the expertise and facilities now to be able to deliver it.”

Margaret Luck, of Somerset Leisure Trust, said the new academy would create a fantastic opportunity for Bridgwater to deliver much-needed training and skills HAVE your say using the comment box below.