THE DEADLINE for awards which recognise talented youngsters with up to £1,500 of funding has been extended due to a lack of interest.

Epping Forest District Council has put back the closing date for nominations for the Youth Art and Sports Awards to Friday, January 14, after fewer submissions were received than expected.

The awards offer funding of between £500 and £1,500 to people aged 13 to 25 to develop their skills, such as paying for specialist equipment, competition fees, travel and accommodation expenses, extra tuition, or coaching.

Councillor Brian Rolfe, portfolio holder for leisure and wellbeing, said: “We have decided to extend the deadline for applications to be submitted as we haven’t so far received as many as anticipated.

“This award is intended to pay for additional opportunities for young people to develop their skills further. I would definitely encourage any young sportsmen and women or artists to apply for this award.

“We would not want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to receive funding that could help to improve their skills and progress further in their chosen activity.”

For more information, visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk.