SPORTING youngsters have been given a helping hand to represent their country.

Four members of the Darlington Kobukan Karate Club have been given £100 each by Darlington Borough Council to help pay for them to attend the Wado-Kai World Championships, in Moscow.

Daniel Bamlett, 17, Sean Bamlett, 14, John Mariner, 15, Billy Mee, ten, and Damien Sheen, 12, need to raise £730 each to get to the championships and to take their places in the England team.

The club has been running for 25 years in Darlington and has 30 members.

A spokesman for the club said: "Karate offers an excellent way of improving fitness and helps develop awareness, self confidence and self esteem.

"Due to the nature of the sport, discipline and safety are of paramount importance and this can also help develop good manners and respect."

Another international athlete has also been given help by Darlington council.

Ben Oakes, 25, has been awarded £100 to help him compete in the Long Course Triathlon World Championships.

The money will go towards the £135 he needs to enter the event, £400 for travel and accommodation and £150 for the Great Britain kit.