TEENAGERS Charlotte Nichols and Matthew Brown are being helped on the road to sporting success.

Both have received awards from Richmondshire District Council under its talented young sports people scheme.

Charlotte, 18, from Barton, is a member of the Great Britain junior water polo team, while 17-year-old Matthew, from Eppelby, has enjoyed considerable success in the world of cricket.

Matthew, recently singled out as one of the top three students at the Yorkshire Cricket Board's coaching centre in Harrogate, was awarded £100.

He regularly plays for Norton Cricket Club in the North-East Premier League and this season scored two centuries for Barnard Castle School in the schools' competition.

The school has since put him forward for trials with the England junior team and Matthew has ambitions to play county cricket for Yorkshire or Durham.

"I am delighted to receive this grant," said Matthew.

"In the course of a season, my boots and bat take quite a hammering, so I have been able to put the money towards buying some new ones."

Charlotte, who took up water polo two years ago, received the maximum award of £200.

She represents the Sedgefield 75 Club in water polo and swimming.

Charlotte has just finished her A-levels at Polam Hall School, Darlington, and is taking a gap year before going to Loughborough University.

"The award has been very useful," she said.

"I have used it to purchase a power breather, which will help me to control my asthma when taking part in the sport."