FINANCIAL aid from Ponteland Town Council has ensured that schoolchildren will be able to represent the town at a county sports event.

An Active Northumberland officer approached the town council to ask for help.

It needed assistance in providing transport for schoolchildren from Ponteland hoping to attend the 2016 Northumberland School Games in Cramlington.

Speaking at last week’s meeting, clerk to the town council Kath Mavin said: “Due to budget changes it hasn’t got the funding to provide the coach for the children, which will cost £550.”

It was agreed that as a one-off payment, Ponteland Town Council would contribute £300 with £250 coming from town mayor Carl Rawlings’ allowance.