The Llandrindod and District Youth Development Fund for Sports and the Arts has been set up by former Llandrindod Wells town mayor and Middlesex cricketer, Bill Higginson.

The fund is designed to assist youngsters in the Llandrindod Wells district who are keen to progress their ambitions and interests in chosen sports or in the arts.

Already, the fund has been well supported by a variety of local events and several young people have already benefited from the scheme.
The selection panel, who decides who gets what funding, includes Powys County Council's Arts Development Officer, Lucy Bevan, Gareth Oldham, senior sports development manager, Cllr Bill Higginson, current town mayor, Cllr Derek Law and Tony Flint.

The fund is already hoping to receive more applications, as they hope Llandrindod Wells will continue to produce a new generation of sports stars.

Professional sports stars to have hit the big time after growing up in the area include new County Times columnist, Toronto FC midfielder and Welsh international, Carl Robinson and Danny Lydiate who plays for Ebbw Vale RFC.

Cllr Higginson said: "The Llandrindod and District Youth Development Fund for Sports and the Arts presents a rare and valuable chance to support to any young person eligible to apply, who is eager to further their sporting or creative talent.

"Often the sums of money required are relatively small but can make or break a young person's chance to realise an ambition. We would urge any young person to apply who may be facing a financial barrier preventing her or him from seizing an opportunity which can support their identified sporting or creative aspiration."

Anyone wishing to apply for a grant should do so in writing, supported by a coach, teacher or parent, to: Cllr Bill Higginson, c/o Llandrindod Wells Town Council, The Old Town Hall, Memorial Gardens, Llandrindod Wells.