Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate has given her backing to a new sports funding programme.

The gold medallist from Burgh Castle said she was 'delighted' that homebuilder Persimmon Homes had agreed to support young athletes with its Healthy Community scheme - which will see it give away £600,000 to sporting causes across the country.

Miss Applegate said: 'Even for a medal winner, it is increasingly hard to find the funding needed to compete at the highest level, so corporate support of this kind is vital for both grassroots sport and developing future champions.

'There is so much individual sporting talent in East Anglia and some top-class sports clubs. I'd urge them all to get involved and make an application..'

The scheme will see Persimmon dish out £750 a month to either a sporting individual or club in the area for the remainder of the year.

To apply, for funding visit persimmonhomes.com/charity