HOPES of creating an all weather sports pitch in Skipton - of a similar spec to training grounds at Leeds United and Barcelona - are now resting on the results of bid to the Football Foundation.

The full size, floodlit pitch and associated training facilities will be created at the Coulthurst Craven Sports Centre.

An application for £450,069 was submitted to the Football Foundation last week and the outcome should be known by May.

The total cost of the ambitious project is £723,384 and partnership funding of £273,315 has already been secured.

Roger Beck, chairman of the sports centre's management committee, said: "This project will significantly increase the provision of sports facilities at the sports centre and therefore access and opportunities for the benefit of the whole community in Craven.

"There has been tremendous support for the project in particular from local football clubs, primary and secondary schools, and Craven College.

"It will also provide the opportunity to strengthen existing links with Bradford City FC by increasing coaching and also running a disability club and girls only courses."

The surface of the proposed floodlit all-weather pitch will be 'Field Turf' thought to be the nearest in playing characteristics to natural grass.

It is already used at the training grounds of Newcastle United, Leeds United, Middlesborough, Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Rangers and Barcelona.

JB Birch Architects of Bradley have designed the changing facilities and will oversee the work.