GIFTED young people are being encouraged to apply for the district council's annual Leisure Bursary Awards.

Two £1,500 awards are on offer from Epping Forest District Council- one for arts and one for sports.

Previous arts winners have included a ballet dancer who received funding towards the cost of his training, a drama student who has since taken her production to the National Student Drama Festival at the Edinburgh Fringe, and a graphic artist who purchased equipment for her college course.

Sports category recipients have included a swimmer, and a cyclist training for the 2012 Olympics.

Applicants must be 13 to 25-years-old, live in the Epping Forest District and be able to demonstrate an outstanding talent for their activity.

For further details or to apply call Lynne Hague on 01992 564551 or e-mail lhague@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.

The closing date is January 29.