Teenagers tipped as sports stars of future

Millie Pugh and Florence Haines from Ilkley, and John Bateman from West Bowling, Bradford, each received 1,000 from Bradford Council and charity SportsAid.

Millie, 14, recently won the English Grand Prix to become the leading female under 15 squash player in the country and the number two ranked player in Great Britain.

Florence, 15, is a member of British Orienteering's World Class Talent Squad having won the under-4s British Championship long distance event last year as well as the World Schools' Championship.

She is now aiming to win an individual medal at the British Championship and the European Youth Championship in the forthcoming season.

Rugby League prospect John Bateman, 15, has been earmarked as a future star of the sport having captained England under 15s in test matches against Wales and Serbia in the summer before going on a 10-day tour of France with the England under 16s squad.

Coun Kris Hopkins, Leader of Bradford Council, said: "Providing our youngsters with financial assistance to help them in their sporting careers is one of our main priorities leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

"Millie, Florence and John all show great promise but reaching the top of any sport requires a lot of sacrifice and commitment which can be expensive so any help we can provide will hopefully make a difference and help them achieve their goals."

The Bradford SportsAid b active awards follow on from the council's original b active awards which recognise people in the district who have inspired others to lead healthier lives.

SportsAid's Rob Clarke said: "These three athletes have all demonstrated they have what it takes to make it to the very top. The fact that all three have been re-nominated for at least their second award really shows our support is being directed to the right athletes."