APPLICATIONS are invited from pupils of any Cockermouth schools who would like financial support with their sports training and education.

Set up in 1981 in memory of a Cockermouth Grammar School sports teacher, the Derek Thompson Trust Fund makes sports awards each year to pupils of Cockermouth schools. So far, the Trust Fund has made awards totaling about £24,000.

The Trust Fund is now inviting applications for its 2024 awards. These should be sent before April 30, 2024, to the Derek Thompson Trust Fund Secretary Jack Abernethy, 74 Woodville Park, Cockermouth, CA13 0GW, or by e-mail to jackabernethy1946@sky.com. 

A spokesperson said: "Please note, you will be sent an acknowledgement of the receipt of your application within a couple of days.

"If you don't receive this acknowledgment, please contact Jack Abernethy at 07765443177.

"The Trustees will also be awarding the Derek Thompson Merit Cup for the most outstanding achievement made by one of the 2023 award winners. Details of these achievements should also be sent to the secretary.

"Annual awards from the Derek Thompson Trust Fund can amount to several hundreds of pounds.

"In 2023 the total amount distributed to local sporting youngsters was £1,875. The trustees are keen to get applications from as wide a range of applicants as possible in 2024."