Lydia's aiming to net a top prize (From Warrington Guardian)

Lydia's aiming to net a top prize

THE founder of a Northwich junior sports club is hopeful her efforts to launch a netball squad in the town may net her a national award.

Lydia Naylor is in the final 40 to win the Whitbread Young Achiever Award - which recognises and rewards the achievements of 16 to 25-year-olds who have been active in volunteering projects during the past 12 months - for her work to create Northwich Sapphires, the only junior club in Vale Royal.

Jan Turley, who nominated Lydia for the award, said the 25-year-old's efforts to convince the senior club to re-write its constitution to support junior activity was inspirational. She added: "She sets an excellent example and is determined the club will go from strength to strength, inspiring her colleagues to become involved in junior development."

The shortlist for the final 12 entries will be announced on Friday with the winner being presented with £2,000 cash, £250 in leisure vouchers and a 12-month support programme at a celebration event in London on November 23.