PUPILS in Herefordshire will be enjoying healthier and happier lifestyles as part of the Big Lottery Fund's £1.6 million to boost out-of-hours school activities.

"Extended schools" are secondary or primary schools that also act as home for other services for young people. The fund aims to give schools the opportunity to develop projects designed by young participants themselves supported by community partnerships.

Three villages will benefit from a £96,000 grant given to Herefordshire Children's Services Directorate.

Hundreds of young people from Clehonger, Sutton St Nicholas and Withington took part in consultation exercises and they focussed on after-school and holiday clubs offering sports, physical activity, arts, drama, film-making and health.

Youth Forums will be developed in all three villages to ensure activities are closely matched to needs.

"The fund has provided an opportunity for children and young people to engage positively in their communities," said Paul Haley, Extended Schools Adviser for Herefordshire.