YOUNG people living in an isolated part of County Durham who cannot afford to take part in their chosen sport are being offered cash help from a new fund.

Friends of Weardale farmer Mike Vickers, who died aged 53 in March from leukaemia and kidney failure, are raising money in his memory.

The Mike Vickers Sporting Chance fund will give grants to children and teenagers who need help with expenses including travelling costs or buying specialist equipment.

Committee member Bessie Robinson said: "Weardale is an isolated area with few sporting facilities and parents often find it difficult to meet their children's costs.

"We believe that there should be no barriers in sport. It is wrong that talented youngsters may be missing out on some wonderful opportunities just because of where they live.

"We would like to be able to help both the rising stars and those young people who just enjoy taking part in their chosen game or athletics discipline.

"Mike was a great sports fan and enjoyed seeing young people do well. It would be a fitting tribute to him if we could raise the profile of sport in Weardale and get more youngsters and their families involved."

The fund will be launched on Saturday, December 8, at a race night being held at Wolsingham School and Community College.

Other events with a sporting theme are planned for the new year.

For more information telephone (01388) 527609, 528856 or 660664, or e-mail, sportingchance2001'