THREE Durham and England cricket stars have helped launch a new charity aimed at supporting North- East youngsters to pursue their sporting dreams.

Graham Onions, Scott Borthwick and Ben Stokes handed over the first cash grants made by Future Sport during the cause’s launch ceremony, held at the Riverside Cricket Ground, in Chester-le-Street, yesterday.

The charity was formerly Sports Aid (Northern), which has raised more than £1.5m over 30 years to help talented youngsters.

It has relaunched independently, still with Northumberland- born Olympic silver medallist Mike McLeod as president.

The cause will give grants of up to £500 for youngsters aged ten to 20 competing in able-bodied or disability sports, targeting disadvantaged people, for sporting costs including travel, equipment and training.

Chairman Phil Lewis said: “This is an exciting moment for sport in the North- East.

“Future Sport is committed to carrying on the work of Sports Aid, with an even greater emphasis on grass roots sport in the region.

“The grants we offer to talented young sports people can really make a difference in helping them to reach their potential and the work we are doing is going to be particularly important at a time when other financial backing is hard to find.”

Yesterday’s launch was compered by Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, and attended by sports leaders from across the region, including Paralympic multigold medallist Stephen Miller.

Mr Miller said: “Sport has given me a great life and career.

Through sport I’ve been able to go round the world and have some great experiences.

“Without help at the first step that wouldn’t have happened – that’s why this charity is so important.”

Graham Onions said: “It’s fantastic for girls and boys to be given this opportunity.

This money will make a massive difference. It’s an honour to be here to support them.”

Paralympic hopeful Lyndon Longhorne, who received a grant and was named as the charity’s first junior governor, said: “I’m over the moon. This is going to help a lot.

“It’s good to have a charity like this. It will help people carry on in sport.”