YOUNG sports people on Wirral have been awarded bursaries by a local organisation set up to support them.

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Jeff Green presented the bursary awards to several local junior sports men and women at an event held in Wallasey Town Hall.

Money raised by the Wirral Sports Forum funded the bursaries. The Wirral Sports Forum exists to promote Wirral’s sporting success and, where possible, support Wirral's developing sporting talent.

Part of this contribution is to raise funds for the unique bursary award scheme.

Presentations were made to the following:

  • Swimmers Natasha McDonnell and Abbie Roscoe from Wirral Metro Swimming Club.
  • Grace Dunne and Declan Carter both tumblers from Wirral Gymnastics.
  • Gabrielle Phelan a junior steeplechaser from Wirral Athletics.
  • Patience Wood, an under 16 archer from Bebington Archers club.

The awards will help fund their development and competitive opportunities at a county, national and European levels.

Wirral Sports Forum chair Ronan Kearney said: "We wish all of them success in their individual and team events and look forward to hearing from them on how they all got on.

"The bursary awards are an exclusive benefit for our forum members. I would encourage all local sports clubs, leagues or associations to join the Wirral Sports Forum.

"Our fund raising primarily comes from the annual Wirral Sports Awards.

"This year's event takes place on October 13 and we are now receiving nominations under the different categories.

"All nominations have to be in by August 31."

Online entries can be made by going to wirralsportsforum.org

For further information on the Awards, Bursaries or to join the Wirral Sports Forum, contact Dave Simmonds, Community Sports Development Officer on 0787 6577187 or email wirralsportsforum@wirral.gov.uk