YOUNG atheletes are in with the chance of receiving a £500 grants to spend on vital equipment and coaching to compete and regional or national level.

Last year’s recipient Eirlys Jones from Malmesbury said, “I was so grateful to receive this grant as it gave me a boost to know that I had the support of my local community. It meant that I could attend a two-week training camp in Sochi, Russia at the Olympic Park with Team Wales which was an amazing experience that will help me to continue to improve my techniques and skills”.

Over the past six years, 39 potential future champions in the county have benefited from funding, and the hunt is now on to find more sporting stars of the future.

Young people must be aged eight to 18 to apply, and the deadline for applications is 5pm, November 18.

Cllr Allison Bucknell, of Wiltshire Council said: “This funding, no matter how small, can make a huge difference to these young people as they compete for top honours both now and in the future. Funding for the grant has been raised through the Wiltshire Business and Sport Gala Dinner and we would like to thank the local businesses who support this event and ultimately, our local sports stars. We are fortunate to have some amazing talent in Wiltshire and I encourage our future champions to apply.”

The full guidelines and application form are available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-supporting-athletes