EIGHT talented Okehampton sports youngsters have received a boost thanks to the generosity of the Okehampton United Charity/Okehampton Educational Foundation.

Cllr Christine Marsh, chairman of Devon County Council, presented the awards on behalf of the charity to the young people at a presentation held at Okehampton College this week.

The eight beneficiaries were:

l Billy Searle, aged 14, a young cricketer and rugby player selected to play for Devon and who has just returned from a youth cricket tour in South Africa

l Naomi Jackson, 14, ranked 32nd in the national junior girls' table table and 112th in senior women's national ranking

l Kian Burns, 8, and Toby Gosling, 15, who have signed for Plymouth Argyle Youth football academy

l Judo martial artist Aidan Bostock, 15, ranked second in England U66 kilos cadet category and selected to represent England in March at international competition in Bremen, Germany

l Ella Percival, 13, ranked fourth in England U44 kilos pre-cadet at judo

l table tennis players Edward Haskell, 11, George Haskell, age 13, both of whom were selected to attend national championships after securing top three places in regional finals.

Cllr Marsh told the Times: 'It is very rewarding to be able to support the young people of Okehampton town and the hamlets.

'Education is so important and through the charity if we are able to give support in any way then that makes that day worthwhile.

'The acheivements of some of the young people are amazing.

'I am pleased to be a small part in making some of this happen.'

The OUC/OEF make annual awards to applicants for assistance with the cost of sporting activity on the basis of ability and need.

Grants of up to £1,000 will be considered for those selected as part of a national team or competing at international level; up to £600 for those competing at regional level and up to £300 for those competing at county level or below.