A RECORD of 12 young athletes have been rewarded in Wigan Council’s latest round of the Believe Talent Fund.

Each athlete will be given £500 from the local authority to cover the cost of expenses such as travel, accommodation, competition, training and equipment.

Wrestlers Bradley Metcalfe, 14, Ella Johnson, 13, James Smith, 17 are aiming to follow the success of former recipient Charlie Bowling, who won bronze at this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Quadruple National Junior Championship-winning synchronised swimmer Greta Hampson, 17, and water polo competitor Emmie Rose Eastwood, from Tyldesley has also been recognised.

Wheelchair rugby player Danny Dawoud, from Hindley, who has just turned 25, will use the funding to help maintain his equipment and compete in Germany.

BMX rider Olivia Cope, 14, and cycle speedway rider John White, 11, will also be able to buy equipment with the funds.

Emily Borthwick, 20, and Harry Coppell, 21, will use the investment to compete in national and international athletics events.

Para dressage prospect Caitlyn Saddington, 16, and triathlete Charlotte Edwards, 14, will be able to compete at home and abroad with the money.

Cllr Chris Ready, lead member for communities and neighbourhoods at the council, said: “The Believe Talent Fund is all about supporting Wigan’s gifted young athletes in becoming the stars of tomorrow.

“They are each fantastic ambassadors for sport in the Wigan borough and we look forward to watching them develop.”

The Believe Talent Fund has supported 60 young athletes and is open to 11-24 year-olds.

For more information visit bit.ly/2Jmdrpp.