Talented swimmer and athlete Katy Symonds is our first young sports star of 1998.

Our panel of judges has selected Katy as the first of six monthly winners in our 1998 Search For A Star competition, which is sponsored by Taywood Homes. The 13-year-old, of Providence Crescent, Oakworth, was selected from a strong pool of entrants. Katy will receive £100, and her name will go forward for the final in January when our star of 1998 will be chosen.

A member of Bingley Swimming Club, Katy has won individual trophies and medals, as well as contributing to the team's success. Her talents also stretch to the track. She has represented her school and Keighley Amateur Athletics club in distance running and the high jump.

Keighley News Editor malcolm Hoddy says: "Katy is doing excellently. She is a very deserving winner."

Nominated by her mum Rachel, Katy says she will put the money towards new equipment and make a donation to the charity chosen by the Leeds swim marathon in which she has taken part.

Entries for this month should be addressed to Taywood Search for a Star, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, BD21 3AG. Closing date is August 28. All you have to do is outline the persons achievements in no more than 200 words and say how they would spend the money. Please include a picture if possible.

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