Suffolk’s top young sporting stars are being invited to bid for scholarships to help fund their training.

Suffolk County Council has promised £1,500 each to 12 athletes who might just make it to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London.

In launching the scholarships, council leader Jeremy Pembroke said: “Suffolk has some extraordinary young sporting talent with potential world champions in a range of sports.

“They are completely committed to their dream of reaching the top and train for hours every week.

“But their ambition is not only time consuming, it is costly too – it is estimated each one spends around £5,000 a year on equipment, training and travel. For most their only sponsors are their parents.

“By offering these scholarships, we hope to make it easier for them to realise their ambitions.”

In return for the funding those winning the scholarships will be expected to act as sporting ambassadors – encouraging others to take part in and enjoy sport.

To qualify for a scholarship athletes must be competing at a national level and have the potential and dedication to reach world-class competition.

They must be under 18, or in full-time education, and be prepared to take on ambassadorial duties including personal appearances. They must also live and/or train in Suffolk.

All applications must be backed by the relevant sporting governing body, and the closing date is Friday 9 July. Selection will be based on current and past performance, as well as on commitment and determination to succeed. The successful athletes will be announced in September.

To find out more, athletes should e-mail or call Adam Baker, the Suffolk Project Manager for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Adam.baker@acs.suffolkcc.gov.uk or phone: 01473 260821.