Up-and-coming athletes in Stevenage are being given the chance to become sporting champions through a new sponsorship scheme.

Everyone Active's Sporting Champions programme, now in its seventh year, helps athletes by providing free access to the company's leisure facilities, including Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Stevenage Swimming Centre and Ridlins Athletics Stadium.

Aspiring athletes will be able to apply from Monday, May 1 to Sunday, May 14.

The scheme's line-up of Olympians and Paralympians includes Lutalo Muhammad, Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton.

They will continue to provide mentoring and expertise to athletes accepted onto the scheme this year.

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Sporting Champions will receive unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts from leading fitness brands.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson will remain in his role as Sporting Champions ambassador, working alongside the scheme's elite athletes to make sport more accessible in the community.

He said: "I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grass roots up.

"I can’t wait to see what this year’s intake go on to achieve."

To fill out the online application form, visit www.easportingchampions.com.