A £10,000 sponsorship deal from Helena Housing will give a sporting boost to young St Helens sports stars seeking selection for the Merseyside Youth Games in July.

The cash will enable St Helens Council's Sports Development Team to organise a comprehensive programme of team selection events that will greatly increase physical activity for young people in St Helens.

Helena Housing says it is committed to supporting a variety of community programmes in the borough and is keen to be involved in healthy activities for young people. Chief Executive of Helens Housing, Rob Young, said: "Our regeneration strategy is based around working with local people and partners to create thriving communities that people take a pride in.

"Over the coming 12 months our priorities will be young people and health which is why we are so pleased to be supporting an event that allows thousands of local children, including those with special needs, to take part in sporting activities".

Recruitment activities are now well underway to select athletes from our primary, secondary and special schools to represent the Borough.

Says Councillor Ken Pinder, Executive Member for Social and Cultural Developments: "The sponsorship will give thousands of young people the chance to provide their sporting prowess and seek selection to an event of regional significance".

More 6,000 budding sports stars will once again compete in a variety of selection trials to secure a place in the squad of around 500 athletes at the games which will be held at The Oval, Bebington, Wirral on July 9 and 10.

Sports will include athletics, basketball, boccia, cricket, football, rugby, hockey, netball, swimming, tennis and gymnastics. For more details contact John Tattum, Active Communities Manager, Sports Development, Rivington Centre, Rivington Road, St Helens WA10 4ND - fax 01744 455330 or e-mail johntattum@sthelens.gov.uk