JUSTIN Tomlinson has welcomed the government’s decision to use money from the sugar tax to help with school sport provision.

The North Swindon MP, who has been a persistent campaigner on the issue of sport in schools, called the move “a great victory”.

On Monday, the Department for Education announced a new Healthy Pupils Capital Fund.

This fund will see an allocation of £415m made available in 2018/19 for schools to spend on providing pupils with the ability to live healthier and more active lifestyles.

The new pot of money has been made possible by using income generated from the Soft Drinks Industry Levy - or sugar tax as it is better known - which was first announced in the 2016 budget.

Primary, secondary and sixth-form colleges will be able to use the funding to pay for facilities to support physical education, after-school activities, and healthy eating.

Schools will also be able to use the new healthy pupils capital programme to improve facilities for children with physical conditions or support young people with mental health issues.

Justin Tomlinson has spoken frequently about the benefits of opening up greater access to school sport.

Last month he led a debate in parliament attended by the schools minister which explored ways that the new tax might be used to have a direct impact on schools and pupils.

Justin said: “Following on from the success of my important debate in parliament, I am delighted with this announcement.

“Since I was first elected, I have actively campaigned in parliament for an increase in the funding and resources available for sport in schools.

“I know how important being healthy & active when you are young can be - it can change lives socially as well as physically and boosts wider attainment in schools.

“Pupils, teachers and parents will all benefit from these much-needed proposals; from breakfast clubs to after-school sports camps, this major investment will not only deliver healthier lifestyles for children but ensure that they also enjoy active lives.

“We are lucky in Swindon to have excellent examples already, like the Draycott Sports Camps, and this announcement means that we have opportunity to replicate the success across the country.”