A talented teenage gymnast from Lowestoft and an eight-year-old tennis ace from Beccles are among those who have received sponsorship to help them continue their sporting dreams.

The legacy of an inspirational Lowestoft man is continuing to help others after five talented athletes from Suffolk and Norfolk were awarded funding.

Gymnast Jack Jacobs, 17, from Lowestoft were among those awarded this year’s Ron Harrod Foundation funding.

The annual award is presented to athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent in their sport along with dedication to competing and training.

The Ron Harrod Foundation is a trust that was set up in 2018 by Harrod Sport founder, Mr Harrod, to help young athletes make their sporting dreams achievable.

Lowestoft Journal: Jack Jacobs, a gymnast from Lowestoft, has received funding. Picture: Jack Jacobs Jack Jacobs, a gymnast from Lowestoft, has received funding. Picture: Jack Jacobs (Image: Jack Jacobs)

Jack Jacobs received £1,000 and admitted he was "happy and excited" to have received the funding.

The 17-year-old has a range of additional needs and has competed in various competitions, having set his sights this year on competing in the Open Category which means the chance to compete with the top-ranking disability gymnasts, and if he medals the chance to compete in the same arena as mainstream gymnasts in the British Championships.

Lowestoft Journal: Tennis ace Lucas Taber, from Beccles, has received funding. Picture: Lucas TaberTennis ace Lucas Taber, from Beccles, has received funding. Picture: Lucas Taber (Image: Lucas Taber)

Tennis ace Lucas Taber, eight, from Beccles caught the eye of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) 10 and Under National Pathway Coach and his progress is already being monitored for development.

The sponsorship will go towards more crucial training and tournaments as advised by the LTA.

Lucas said: "It feels really special and exciting that [Harrod Sport] want to help me with my tennis."

Among the 2023 winners was also Jude Gunner, 13, a swimmer from Middleton in Suffolk, Charles Myers, nine, also from Suffolk who plays roller and ice hockey and athlete Serena Grace, 20, from Norfolk.

For five years the Ron Harrod Foundation has been sponsoring athletes from across Norfolk and Suffolk helping those in a variety of sports achieve their goals.