TALENTED young sports stars are being encouraged to sign up to a new scheme providing support to the region’s top athletes.

Stars (Supporting Top Athletes Recognition Scheme) has been launched by West Yorkshire Sports Partnership.

This grouping includes Kirklees Active Leisure in association with the five major councils in West Yorkshire, including Kirklees.

The project, which is inspired by the London 2012 Olympics, aims to give West Yorkshire’s best athletes the support they need to succeed by providing facilities and services to improve training schedules and methods.

Initially, Stars is providing free access to swimming, running and fitness suites.

There are also plans to make additional services available soon.

Athletes signing up to the scheme are being asked to complete a survey to find out their needs.

Nigel Harrison, director of West Yorkshire Sport, said: “We have seen outstanding achievements by our Olympians and Paralympians.”