UP-and-coming athletes in Ryedale have been given the opportunity to gain professional support as part of a talent development scheme.

Now in its second year, Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme provides local sportspeople with training and mentoring support, as well as free access to more than 150 Everyone Active leisure centres nationwide.

Among those on the scheme this year is 17-year-old Judo athlete, Brandon Cowton, who trains at Everyone Active’s Ryedale Sports Centre.

He has medalled at a number of international competitions while coaching and inspiring young judo stars.

Rising tennis star Jude Dixon, who became the ITA North Yorkshire U16 County Champion earlier this year, is another local athlete supported by the scheme, which offers gold, silver or bronze tiers of sponsorship.

The packages provide athletes in a range of disciplines with funding of up to £5,000 to help towards training, equipment, travel and competition costs, as well as access to leisure centres.

To find out more, go to easportingchampions.com