HANDBALL is one of country’s lesser known sports but two local stars are helping to raise its profile.

Ciaran Williams, from Edenf-ield, is the current England men’s captain while Burnley-born Holly Lam-Moores has just been named the Olympic Athlete of the Year for Handball by the British Olympic Association.

“I am really proud of that achievement and if if helps raise the profile of handball then that can only be a good thing,” said the former Alder Grange High School pupil. “I have had a really good year both at club and international and this award just caps it off.”

Lam-Moores signed for Danish Premier League side Sonder-jyske in October and has proved to be a bit hit — so much so she has already been offered an extended contract.

“I went there as cover for there injured left winger and it has gone really well,” said Lam-Moores who scored 15 times in her first four games. “They have asked me to stay on for another year which shows I must be doing something right.”

She added: “This is a massive boost for me. Last year, I was playing in the third division in Norway now I am playing in the highest division of possible the best league in the world.”

British Handball is planning Project Home Coming next year to assemble its squads ahead of London 2012. And whatever happens, Williams and Lam-Moores are certain to be in the thick of the action.