SPORTS facilities in West Oxfordshire could be in line to receive a major boost.

Planning officers are recommending approval of a scheme to provide two artificial pitches with 12 floodlights at Burford's comprehensive school, off the A40.

It also includes a new sports pavilion, with multi-changing rooms and car parking for 37 vehicles.

The cost is in the region of £700,000, and is largely dependent on grants from Sport England and the Football Association.

The chairman of governors at the school, Malcolm Harper, said: "It is a large scheme, and would be for the wider community as well as the school.

"Partnership primary schools and local clubs would benefit.

He added: "Part of our case for grants is that it helps to encourage sport as a part of every child's life."

A key element of the scheme is to give a boost to hockey, which is largely dependent as a sport on the use of artificial pitches.

Planning officer Jonathan Westerman says there should be conditions, however, on the timing and level of floodlighting.