THE chairwoman of a rural sports facility has been selected for a competitive learning programme and grant of up to £10,000.

Helen Hill, of Otterburn-based Rede Tyne Coquet Sports & Leisure Centre (RTC) is one of 71 leaders across England to have been chosen for the Community Business Trade Up Programme.

RTC treasurer Kevin Appleby will also attend some of the sessions, which are now being held online instead of at the York School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) centre.

The Community Business Trade Up Programme is run by the SSE, in partnership with Power to Change. The programme supports people improving their local communities through trade.

The programme will help the trustees to increase what is offered by the RTC Sports Centre, where active classes and social activities support the people of the Rede, North Tyne and the Coquet valleys.

Helen will soon begin a nine-month learning programme at the School for Social Entrepreneurs. SSE helps people develop the skills, strengths and networks they need to tackle society’s biggest problems.

Kevin said: "We are delighted to have been accepted onto the Community Business Trade Up Programme, run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, in partnership with Power to Change.

"The programme and grant of up to £10,000 will help the RTC Trustees grow our community offering, so we can support more people in the area."

Amber Sorrell, programme manager at the School for Social Entrepreneurs, added: "We are thrilled to welcome RTC Sports onto the programme, where they’ll learn alongside other community leaders how to create lasting social impact for the region.

"We are confident that they have the entrepreneurial qualities and motivation to increase their impact on the RTC area even further, which is why we have awarded them a highly-coveted place."

The RTC Sports & Leisure centre is located on the edge of Otterburn village and serves local communities in the Rede, North Tyne and Coquet valleys.