IN the same week that nominations for its prestigious awards ceremony opened, two upcoming sportsmen were given a financial boost by a local sports organisation.

Sport Tynedale handed over £100 each through its sport development fund to 17-year-old cyclist Fergus Robinson, of Hexham, and 18-year-old triathlete Sean Wylie, of Wark.

The fund exists to help local youngsters compete at a higher level outside of the area, with both Fergus and Sean looking to push on nationally, and even internationally.

Sean, who has recently started his studies at Loughborough University, has already impressed in European championships and is hoping to continue to make strides in international competitions.

Fergus, who was a promising triathlete with One Life Racing, is now concentrating on developing his cycling and the Allen Valley Velo member wants to travel around the country to compete in national events to aid his progress in the sport.

He said: “Next season, I am hoping to get on the junior team and that means entering into lots of national races.

“The money from Sport Tynedale will help with entry fees and also accommodation as I will have to stay over in hotels, which isn‘t cheap.

“I’m pleased with the support from Sport Tynedale and the organisation helps a lot of people who can‘t really afford to be competing at a higher level.”

Sport Tynedale chairman Edward Heslop said the handing over of the grants was the perfect opportunity to highlight what the organisation does.

While many in the district will know about the glittering awards night, to be held at Wentworth Leisure Centre, in Hexham, on Sunday, December 13, some will be unaware of the other services it provides.

Relying on subscriptions from sports clubs and town and parish councils, Sport Tynedale hands out grants to coaches seeking further qualifications, and to sportspeople, of any age, wishing to progress in their sport.

Edward said: “We have the sports night which is a great evening to celebrate local sport, but this is the other side of what we do and a big part of that is allowing young people to step up.

“It’s about helping them from getting from the level they’re at winning things in the area, to that bit further on national and international stage which we have seen before. “It’s also a good opportunity to encourage town and parish councils to sign up for subscriptions because, once they do, anybody in their parish can apply for grants.”

Nominations for the 2015 awards is now open with application forms available at www.sport-tynedale.co.uk. Entries close on November 4.

The awards ceremony is sponsored by SCA Prudhoe Mill and supported by Active Northumberland, while Hexham-based Red Hot Property will again provide the prize fund for the Stan Calvert Scholarship to an up-and-coming junior.