GIFTED youngsters from across Hambleton have been awarded cash to help them pursue their chosen sport.

Thirty teenagers have been awarded grants under the local authority's Talented Young Sportspeople scheme.

They each received a share of £5,000 to help them reach their maximum potential.

At an awards presentation, council health spokesman, Councillor Neville Huxtable, and the chairman of the local Sports Council, Mark Jarvis, gave out certificates and sweatshirts.

Each winner also qualifies for free use of all Hambleton's leisure centres, including swimming and gym sessions.

Coun Huxtable said: "Through this scheme, we aim to provide opportunities for young people to play sport at all levels.

"It is important in doing so to enable each young person to realise his or her own full potential.

"These 30 young people represent the top performers from within our district and both they and their parents are to be admired for their commitment and dedication."

The following youngsters received awards: Henry Blackett, 15, of Ingleby Greenhow; Abbie Burnett, 13, Carlton Husthwaite; Luke Brudenell, 16, Brompton; Martyn Clarke, 19, Stokesley; Christopher Drinkwater, 11, Easingwold; Allisia Kusz, 10, Bedale; Andy Lagan, 15, Northallerton; Liam McKendry, 13, Sowerby, Thirsk; Ryan McKendry, 11, Sowerby, Thirsk; Jessica Noone, 13, Northallerton.

Rebecca Rennison, 15, of Morton-on-Swale; Joseph Richards, 10, Brompton; Douglas Roberts, 13, Romanby; Jessie Roberts, 14, Romanby; Benjamin Rowe, 15, Great Busby, Stokesley; Sam Sanderson, 13, Catton, Thirsk; Alex Jane Smethurst, 12, Brompton; Joseph Watson, 11, Linton-on-Ouse; Emma Shillito, 16, Bedale.

Hannah Creelman, 18, Northallerton; Adam Duffield, 15, Easingwold; Bradley Elsworth, 14, Bedale; Robert Elsworth, 12, Bedale; Rochelle Petty, 15, Thirsk; Alastair Reed, 16, Hutton Rudby; Daniel Reed, 14, Hutton Rudby; Thomas Young, 15, Bedale; Mark Wilson, 18, Stokesley; Sophie Broadway, 14, Bedale; Laura Birkinshaw, 14, Tholthorpe.

For more details about leisure grants, contact leisure grants officer Alison Readman on (01609) 767149.