SCHOOLS across Worcestershire are to share almost £465,000 to improve access for disabled youngsters.

Ministers want the cash to be spent on lifts, handrails, specialist furniture and computer equipment.

Facilities for blind and deaf youngsters will also be improved, with new sound field systems and better sign-posting introduced.

The grant was part of a £50m Schools Access Initiative announced by the Government.

Herefordshire schools will receive £232,400.

It is the first slice of a £220m fund, which will be pumped into mainstream schools over the next three years to make them more "inclusive".

St Clement's Primary School, Henwick Road, Worcester, is one of the schools set to benefit.

"We have a number of disabled youngsters in the school and they have difficulty accessing the hall because there are steps," said headteacher Maggie Goodwin.

"When they have PE they have to get in via the car park.

"We're hoping to install a lift, like the ones where you can fit a pushchair on so they can go in with everyone else."

The total funding is yet to be divided up into schemes across the county, but the money has been welcomed by Worcestershire County Council.

"We are pleased to see the Government's confirmation of funding enabling us to adapt more schools to be accessible to more pupils," said Stephen Seymour of the council's educational services directorate.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, who is on the education select committee, said that the St Clement's project was what the scheme was about.

"This is a real boost for many schools within Worcestershire."

"Mainstream schools as well as special schools have a role in delivering the higher standards agenda.

"The schools access initiative will improve access to the curriculum for disabled children and being part of mainstream school will allow all pupils to change attitudes towards disability."

Other schools set to will benefit include Franche Middle School at Kidderminster and Arrow Vale High School in Redditch.