ELEVEN talented sporting youngsters are the latest beneficiaries of the Okehampton Educational Foundation.

The foundation supports young people of Okehampton and the Hamlets who achieve well in sport. All eleven youngsters have been supported by the foundation with grants to help them carry on with their sport.

Town mayor Maureen McDonald presented the youngsters with sweatshirts on behalf of the charity to recognise their efforts and achievements.

Joshua Bickley and Callum Pillivant, both 16, have been selected to play rugby for Devon. Billy Searle, 16, has been selected to represent Devon in both rugby and cricket, and Alex Marden, 13, has been selected to play cricket for the county.

George and Edward Haskell, 15 and 12, and Naomi Jackson, 16, all play table tennis for the South West, and both Edward and Naomi have recently been selected to represent England.

Ella Percival, 14, and Aidan Bostock, 16, are both on the England Judo squad and competing at an international competition in Holland later this month. Kian Burns, 10, plays football for Plymouth Argyle youth team. George Roberts, 16, will be swimming in the South West Regional Championships this month.

Applications from individuals for the cost of sporting achievements are considered by the OEF's trustees each month.

Grants of up to £1,000 are considered for individuals selected as part of a national team or competing at national level — £600 is on offer for those competing at regional level and £300 for county level sport.

Okehampton United Charity and Okehampton Educational Foundation also support many local sports clubs.

In 2011 Okehampton Hockey Club, OCRA, Okehampton Otters, Okehampton Football Club, Okehampton Simmons Bowling Club and Belstone and Lewdown Youth Cricket Clubs all received grants.

If you would like to make an application for individual sporting achievement or on behalf of a sports club contact the charities clerk Karen Percival by email on [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01837 55179.