Budding Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians are among sportspeople being encouraged to apply for funding from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Talented Athletes Fund.

It aims to help local athletes overcome potential financial hurdles, such as training and equipment costs.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for Nottinghamshire athletes who have represented their country at national events in the last 24 months, which includes a range of Sport England-recognised sports, from speed skating to swimming and from fencing to table tennis. Applications most be made before the end of December.

Athletes who benefited from previous funding rounds include indoor cricketer Lawrence Burton (pictured), of Ravenshead.

He said: “I have been travelling to Birmingham over the past few years for training, coaching, and matches. Initially I applied to the Talented Athletes Fund to help my family with the expenses.

“This all proved worth it as in April I was selected to play for the England under-17 squad in the Junior World Series held in Dubai (see report below).

Lawrence’s father, Colin Burton, added “Representing England at an international tournament is something Lawrence has dreamt of, but with a lack of national funding parents were expected to find almost £3,000 for the summer training, equipment, and the tour itself.

“The Talented Athlete Fund was a great help to us.”

Coun John Cottee, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We are immensely proud of being able to continue to support our up-and-coming sporting talent.

“With rising prices, and the pressures of paying coaching fees, equipment and travel costs, this funding could go a little way to helping Nottinghamshire athletes strive for their dreams. This funding builds on previous years’ support.

The fund will be open until 31st December and funding will be allocated to successful applicants from April. To apply go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk and search for the Talented Athletes Fund.