COUNCILS are to get almost £6 million to help meet a key target on physical education in schools.

The Scottish Government said by 2014 every primary school pupil should have at least two hours of PE a week, and all students in the first four years of secondary school should have at least two periods of PE.

About two-thirds of schools have already met this target, with 2011 figures showing 64% of primary schools and 67% of secondary schools achieving the PE lessons objective.

To help deliver the pledge, sportscotland will provide councils with £3.4m over the next two years. An additional £2.4m from Education Scotland will also be used to increase support to local authorities and teachers.

Every council will work with both these organisations to agree an action plan for the delivery of PE.

Sport Minister Shona Robison said the move marked a "significant milestone on the journey towards delivering a tangible and enduring legacy for the 2014 Commonwealth Games".

She said: "The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring the provision of at least two hours per week of PE in primary schools, and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools for pupils in S1-S4 by 2014. We want to increase opportunities for children to get involved in sport and physical activity."

She said physical exercise was a "long-term investment in health", and habits formed in childhood and adolescence often continued on into adulthood.