BUDDING young sports stars have been given a helping hand by Richmondshire's local authority.

Hockey player Emma Pledge, karate kid Amanda Ilsley and rugby player Daniel Miller have already represented their country in their chosen fields.

But the costs can be restrictive - and the district council has stepped in with grants to help them.

Emma, aged 15, played in England's under-16 side, which won the Home Nations tournament this year.

Amanda, 16, who won the Aiwaki Federation Kumite Championship in 1999, is destined for the European Championships in Rome later this year.

Daniel is already a regular in Darlington's first team and, at 18, has played for England's under-18 school squad against France, Wales and Ireland.

Richmondshire District Council's leader, Coun John Blackie, said: "We are pleased to do all we can to support such talent and enable our young sports people to progress as far as possible in their sporting careers.

"We have given the maximum award to both Emma and Amanda, and just less than the maximum to Daniel in recognition of the substantial costs they and their families face for training, equipment and travelling.

"We now hope that all three will go on to do even better and get to the top of their sport, just as local swimmer, Nicola Jackson, did in reaching the Sydney Olympics just a few weeks ago," said Coun Blackie.