A 14-year-old basketball player from Odsal who has been scooping up titles throughout Yorkshire and the rest of the country is now to receive help from Bradford Council and SportsAid.

Rhianna-Mae Laing, who currently plays for Sheffield Hatters’ under-16s, has received support to help with the high costs of competing at an elite level.

Last season the teenager was selected to represent Yorkshire under-13s at a regional tournament in Lilleshall, where the team finished as runners up to London.

As a result of her performance, she was invited to join the England under-15 development squad and has since been chosen to represent England at the 2011 Under-16 European Championships, where the team finished second.

Rhianna is one of 24 athletes receiving support through the SportsAid b active Sporting Excellence Programme following their nominations by their sport’s national governing body.

Coun Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for sport, said: “As part of our b active campaign we do all we can to encourage young athletes in the Bradford district to fulfil their potential.

“With the help of SportsAid we are helping young athletes participate in their chosen sport and even reach the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Rob Clarke, Regional Development Manager for SportsAid, said: “Rhianna is a great example of one of Bradford’s up-and-coming athletes and we’re very proud to support her as she continues on her journey to the top of her sport.

“Our partnership with Bradford Council has yielded huge benefits for all the athletes involved and will hopefully give Rhianna the boost she needs to realise her full potential.”

For more information about SportsAid visit www.sportsaid.org.uk.