A partnership which claims to have trebled the number of South Devon schoolchildren participating in sport faces having its funding axed.

Up to 15 jobs could be lost in schools and 'a whole raft' of sports coaches could also be affected.

The South Dartmoor School Sport Partnership, which works with 66 primary, secondary and special needs schools, affecting 18,000 children stands to lose its funding in February under government spending cuts.

Steve Dinnie, assistant principal at South Dartmoor Community College, a passionate advocate for the scheme, says that removing its funding of £330,000 will have a detrimental effect on young people's health and could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

The partnership works by providing training, equipment and support to help schools offer a far wider range of physical activities than the traditional competitive sports of hockey, football, rugby and netball.

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