ATHLETE Izzy Jeffs has been given a combined grant by the rotary clubs of Taunton and Taunton Vale to help her achieve her sporting dreams.

The rotary clubs have matched an award by the Sports Aid South-West charity to give Izzy a total of £700 to help her with coaching, travel, training and equipment costs in her chosen sport.

The Taunton School pupil, aged 16, is a talented young Great Britain-ranked junior athlete.

Javelin thrower Izzy was ranked two in Great Britain at under-17 and under-20 level in 2008.

She won the England Schools javelin title in the under-17s women’s category and the under-17s Women’s AAA Championships this year.

Izzy competed for England at the schools international, winning a gold medal.

She also won gold for the South-West at the UK Schools Games with a throw of 47.72metres – the second longest of all time for an under-17 woman.

Izzy is a good all-round athlete and has competed in the heptathlon. She hopes to represent Great Britain at senior level long-term and to compete at the Olympic Games.

She was given her award by the presidents of the rotary clubs at Taunton School.

Sports Aid helps talented young and disabled sportspersons compete at the highest levels.

Awards are given to competitors ranked in the top ten nationally in their sports or are regular members of national age group squads.

Rotary, nationally, seeks to support the achievements of young people and assist talented sportspersons to fulfil their dreams.