FIVE talented young sportsmen and women from St Helens have won national SportsAid awards for their achievements.

The youngsters, all aged under 18, received their accolades at a ceremony at Sutton Leisure Centre hosted by St Helens Council.

Norman Wilkinson, a member of the SportsAid board, presented the awards to:

Boxing champion Craig Lyon, who received a special award for The Young and Inspired. The son of eight times ABA champion John Lyon, MBE, Craig was rewarded for competing with distinction at domestic and international level during his seven-year boxing career.

Rhythmic gymnast Laura Heyes who has been selected for the European group championships which will be held in Switzerland in 2001.

Gymnast Keyleigh Sallisbury who was runner-up in the British Schools Gymnastics Championships and has won three gold medals in the North West Schools Championships.

Natalie Wilson, also from the sport of rhythmic gymnastics who, despite being injured, claimed silver in the British Duets and Trios earlier this year.

Hockey player Lindsey Pumford who is a member of the England Under-18 squad.

SportsAid was established in 1998 to support youngsters who have the ability to become future sporting champions but who first have to overcome financial or physical hurdles.

Award grants, which are spent directly on training and equipment, are available to 12 to 18-year-olds who are in full-time education and to disabled athletes of any age.

Relying on fund-raising and donations, the charity supports more than 2,000 potential sporting stars each year. Runner Sally Gunnell and rower Steve Redgrave are among those who have benefited from the work of SportsAid.

More information about SportsAid is available from Marva Campbell on 0151 231 7775.