A TALENTED young sportsman competing at a national level will have access to additional facilities thanks to a sports scheme.

Thirteen-year-old Edward Haskell plays table tennis at a national level. He is currently ranked 11th in the country in his age range.Thanks to the Free Access for National Sports People (FANS) scheme, he will now have unlimited access to the pool and gym for his training.

The scheme aims to assist elite sports people to achieve their full potential by reducing the financial burden of training costs. Edward registered with West Devon Borough Council's FANS scheme, which provides free access to leisure centres in Okehampton and Tavistock.

Jon Smith, contract manager at Parklands, said: 'We are thrilled to be welcoming Edward to the leisure centre. We are aware of how hard it is for young athletes to progress with burden of financial worry. With our help he is sure to progress at an almighty rate and we can't wait to see what he achieves in the future.'