Norfolk's sports and cultural stars of tomorrow are being invited to apply for funding to support them in their quest for greatness.

This is the second year that Norfolk County Council has run the Rising Stars scheme, which last year awarded 12 young people aged between 14 and 25 grants of up to £5,000 for four years to help them fulfil their potential. They were awarded funding because they showed great potential to be true contenders for 2012 Olympics, Paralympics and the Cultural Olympiad.

Now the County Council is encouraging a fresh group of ambitious young people to apply to become the Rising Stars of 2009 before the deadline on September 30.

Councillor Derrick Murphy, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “We are committed to supporting young people achieve their ambitions, and helping them to take that next step towards reaching the pinnacle of their cultural or sporting careers.

“Last year's Rising Stars have achieved great success and set the benchmark for tomorrow's up and coming cultural and sporting stars, and we are delighted to be able to help them in their achievements.

“It is essential we empower Norfolk's young people so they believe they can reach for the stars and make a difference to their own lives, as well as inspire their peers and future generations and create a lasting legacy for Norfolk."

Many of our Rising Stars from last year have been reaching new heights.

Tom Barber, 17, from Denton is now the British Olympic Association's Archer of the Year, and fellow Rising Star, 25-year-old dancer and choreographer Scott Atkins, of Norwich, has recently completed a choreography residency with the prestigious Matthew Bourne Company in Sadler's Wells, London.

In addition, Wymondham High pupil Laura McDonald broke the Norfolk county javelin record in May, and then just two months later won the junior girls javelin at the Aviva English Schools Track and Field Championships. In August the 15-year-old from Barford was also named the UK under-15 champion at the England Athletics U17/U15 Championships in Bedford.

Fellow sporting hero, 19-year-old alpine skier Thomas Baldwin of Tharston won four of the five titles at the British Junior Alpine Ski Championships in France. He is now the top-ranked junior ski racer in Great Britain.

Do you know of someone who could be the next Rising Star and join them in their quest for success?

The deadline for applications for the year 2009/10 is September 30. More information on Rising Stars and how to apply for funding can be found at www.norfolkfoundation.com.