MORE than £2,700 has been awarded to seven clubs across the county to help encourage people into sport.

Wiltshire Council launched the Return to Sport and Sports Stars projects in 2013 as part of its Legacy for Wiltshire programme, which aims to help bring communities together.

It also encourages people to stay healthy, and support future Olympians and Paralympians.

A total of £1,600 in Sports Stars funding was granted to two local sports clubs, Salisbury Stingrays Water Polo ASC and Chalke Valley Sports Club.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for leisure, said: “Wiltshire Council is keen to provide opportunities for residents to get involved in sport on a regular basis.

“The grants awarded through the Return to Sport and Sports Stars programmes will enable clubs to offer a high quality coaching scheme and thus encourage wider participation in sport.”

The Sports Stars programme has been developed to persuade young people aged five to 16 years into sport. It aims to encourage young people to join the sports club once they have gained confidence and developed skills during the eight-week programme. For further information visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/sportsstars.

The deadline to apply for both grants is January 31.