RISING sports stars have been offered free membership of Craven Leisure, Skipton as part of the Free Access to National Sportspeople (FANS) scheme.

The scheme helps young people develop their skills in sports such as swimming, cycling, cricket, football, gymnastics, rowing and to take advantage of the training programme on offer.

Councillor Richard Foster, leader of Craven District Council, which owns the leisure centre, said: “This is a fantastic initiative that supports our home-grown sportspeople of all ages, continuing to progress and hone their sports skills, while achieving success and recognition at local and national level.

“We are proud to see talented athletes take advantage of the sports facilities at Craven Leisure and fulfil their true potential.”

Swimmer Paige Fenton, 19, one of the 11 successful applicants to join this year’s FANS initiative, is a member of Skipton Swimming Club. She said: “Most recently I have ranked in the top ten in the women’s open age group in the breaststroke events at the Swim England National short course championships. I will travel to Dubai later this year to compete internationally and continue my journey along the Swim England national pathway.”

Since the scheme began more than a decade ago, it has helped dozens of athletes of all ages representing 20 sports.

Many sporting stars have benefitted from the scheme. Among the success stories is 20-year-old Joe Hudson. Joe is in his final year at Birmingham University and recently competed in the University World Cross Country Championships for Great Britain.

He said: “Having access to the gym at Craven Leisure has been invaluable. Strength and conditioning is an important aspect of my training plan and being able to use the facilities there has been really helpful.”

The 11 are: Josh Elliot, Kaye Fenton, Paige Fenton, Ellie Jackson, Jack Jenkinson, Aaron Macrae, Jack Moran, Ned Sharp, Agnes Simon, Elle Stone and Joe Hayes.