A GROUP that supports the sport of fencing in the region has been awarded more than £100,000 by Sport England to continue its work for another three years.

As a result, Fencing North East will develop a new programme to encourage more teenagers, disabled and older people to try the sport.

It is a further boost for the group, which was last year recognised with a Big Society Award for its efforts to encourage more participation in the sport.

It was one of 36 across the country to receive a share of £5.9m from Sport England's community sport activation fund.

Beth Davidson, regional fencing development officer, said: “This funding will enable us to innovate, grow and engage people of all abilities and disabilities in some of the most challenging areas of Britain.”

The community sport activation fund allows local authorities, charities and other organisations to apply for grants for projects that will get more people playing sport.

Mike Diaper, Sport England director of community sport, said: “It’s great to be working with innovative projects, like this inclusive fencing programme, to offer people the chance to get into sport in a way that best suits them.”