ENGLAND and Wessex volleyball star Zara Dampney has received a huge boost with the award of a grant from the Inner Wheel Club of Ferndown.

In partnership with SportsAid South West and the Charity for Sport, the Ferndown club will present the talented 18-year-old with a cheque for £250 to help with travel, coaching and accommodation.

Parley-based Dampney is currently a member of both England junior and senior squads and last year helped Wessex to the National Cup.

Inner Wheels Clubs nationally aim to support talented sportsmen and women and help them fulfil their dreams. SportsAid, in association with the English Volleyball Association, identified her and the Ferndown branch of Inner Wheel agreed to the sponsorship.

SportsAid South West works to help talented young sportspersons between the ages of 11 and 19, compete at the highest levels in their chosen sports.

The award was presented to Dampney by Maureen Nicholson, president of the Inner Wheel Club of Ferndown at Hamworthy Social Club in Canford Magna.

First published: Sept 18