YOUNG sportsmen and women in the Redcar and Cleveland area are to benefit from a new scheme aimed at helping them become champions.

The Young Ambassador for Sport initiative, run by Tees Valley Leisure, will reward a minimum of 12 talented youngsters with a year's free access to training facilities.

The first three recipients are canoeist Colin Tate, 14, of Lazenby, Elizabeth Adams, 19, of Marske, a member of the National Triathlon team who hopes to compete in the 2004 Olympics, and Terry Bywater, 19, of Dormanstown, a member of the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball team.

Glyn Amos, Tees Valley Leisure's business development director, said: "These three are really role models for young people associated with sport. We want to inspire and encourage youngsters, and this scheme could give somebody the boost they need to do really well.

"The scheme is not a bursary but offers considerable opportunities for young people to access free of charge a whole range of facilities, including our pools, sports halls and fitness suites."

The scheme will be officially launched by Olympic javelin throwers Mick Hill and Ken Churchill at 11am next Friday, at Eston Sports Academy, Normanby Road, South Bank, Middlesbrough.

To apply for an award, call Mr Amos on (01642) 447702.