THREE talented teenagers have received a cash boost from Richmondshire District Council to help further their careers in sport and the arts.

England hockey player, Emma Pledge, 18, from Ravensworth, has been awarded £750 from the council's Talented Young Sportsperson Scheme while athlete Sam Stanislaus, 14, from Eppleby has been given £100.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Charlotte Broadbent, from Eryholme, has been granted £200 after securing a place with the National Youth Choir. The money will help pay the costs of residential workshops.

Emma has played for England since she was 15 and plans to use the money to pay for travelling expenses and kit.

St Francis Xavier School pupil Sam trains with Richmond's Zetland Harriers. The money will help with his travelling expenses.

Community leisure officer Hilary Conway said: "The grants are designed to encourage excellence in sport and the arts, which becomes very costly when pursued at this level.

"All the young people involved in this round of awards have invested a lot of time and money in pursuing their chosen interests and these grants are a way of recognising that level of commitment and encouraging them to continue."