MORE than £500,000 has been given to primary schools in North Somerset to inspire children to take part in sport as part of the Olympic legacy.

The Government has given North Somerset £500,600, and headteachers will choose what to do with the money to best suit their children’s needs.

This could range from specialist coaching and teacher training, to dedicated sport programmes and support for after-school and weekend competitions.

The aim is to improve coaching for the youngest pupils and inspire the Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future.

Every North Somerset primary school will receive around £9,500, depending on pupil numbers.

Schools with 17 of more primary-aged pupils will receive £8,000 and an additional £5 per pupil and smaller schools will receive £500 per pupil.

The money forms part of £150million given to local authorities across the country by the Department for Education, the Department of Health and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

School watchdog Ofsted will ensure the funding is being used for the benefit of the pupils and that schools are held to account for the way they use the money.

Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “This funding will give primary school children fantastic sport, and is the final piece in the 2012 sports legacy jigsaw.”