YOUNG Ulverston athletes have shown there is no barrier to success as long as you try your hardest and have fun in the process.

For their sporting achievements the Sports Ability Club at UVHS have been nominated for a Heart of Ulverston Award.

After reaching the finals of regional and national competitions this year the group have found themselves put forward for the Young Sports Performance of the Year Award.

Elaine Cowperthwaite, the club's coordinator, who has worked with the club for more than five years was incredibly proud of her young charges for their nomination.

She said: "I think it's fantastic for the club, it gives them the recognition for all the hard work that the students put in, and to all the members of staff that help to make it such a success."

Since its inception the club has striven to be as inclusive as possible to any pupil who wants to become involved.

Through a partnership with Ulverston Leisure Centre staff are regularly trained on new sports, and are always open to trying new ideas raised by the children.

Mrs Cowperthwaite continued: "It's a club that allows any student to come along and join in any sport, they join in and they have fun. Whatever their need is we adapt the sport to make sure everyone can take part."

If you know a group or person who you think deserves a Heart of Ulverston Award, click here to fill out a nomination form, it only takes five minutes!

This year is notable as the club made it through to the finals of the North West regional boccia competition, and will compete in the national table cricket finals at Lords cricket ground at the end of this week.

UVHS are renowned for their achievement in sport ranging from football to orienteering. The progress made by the group illustrates the empowering quality Mrs Cowperthwaite believes the club has.

She said: "It shows that sport is our there and available for them to take part. It's not about being the strongest or the fastest, but giving them a chance to take part and build up key skills for life.

Mrs Cowperthwaite paid tribute to UVHS's head of PE, Kirsty Hayton, and the staff at Ulverston Leisure Centre for their tireless support of the Sports Ability Club, and the positive impact they have on the pupils.

Mrs Cowperthwaite said: "The students are just full of energy when they come in, it's brilliant for them."

Read more about this year's heart of Ulverston nominees:

Chris Regan was nominated for a HoU Award for more than 40 years of dedicated service to her hockey club

An Ulverston teacher has been nominated for an award for always going the extra mile

Family comes first for a brave girl who battled through the loss of her father