Up-and-coming athletes in Somerset can benefit from a coveted sports talent development programme.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme has assisted more than 5,000 athletes in its eight years.

It provides them complimentary use of over 230 sports facilities.

A few Somerset athletes recently welcomed onto the programme are Taekwondo player Francis Miller and Jockey Alice Murray-Gourlay.

Sporting Champions also offers support from a team of elite athletes.

The mentoring panel includes Olympians and Paralympians such as Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman and Maisie Summers-Newton.

This year, GB sprint star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey joined the team, imparting their knowledge on subjects including mental wellbeing and managing finances.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson continues his ambassador role.

He said: "I'm passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission.

"Seeing these future champions flourish fuels my excitement for what's to come."

With over £2million invested, 30 of its Sporting Champions competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Mark Washington, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: "It’s fantastic to see how the scheme has expanded over the years.

"We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes."

For more information, visit www.easportingchampions.com or www.everyoneactive.com.