PLANS to recognise young gifted and talented athletes in Bexley are to be put into action.

For seven months Bexley council has been looking at ways to support young athletes who have the potential to compete on the world stage.

The Gifted and Talented Sportsmen and Sportswomen sub-group put forward final recommendations last night in order to support athletes aged between 12 to 18.

Despite a number of regional and national programmes running within the borough, the council does not have one formal scheme to support talented sports people.

It has been identified that if athletes stand a chance of competing and winning world events, facilities, funding, and financial support needs improvement.

The aim of Gifted and Talented is to recognise sporting potential in youngsters and then mentor them and offer advice and expertise in a bid to develop their full potential. The council could also pick up the costs of treating injuries and transport.