A SCHOOLGIRL has been awarded a generous donation from a North Yorkshire village to give a boost to an inclusive swimming group.

The £1,000 proceeds from a Race Night at Stutton Village Hall have been donated to 16-year-old Jemima Browning who set up a swimming group for young people with disabilities.

Jemima was inspired to set up Tadcaster Stingrays by her younger brother Will who has Down’s Syndrome, believing that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy sport. She approached Fiona Garnett, the Tadcaster's pool's swimming development manager, for support with starting up the group.

“This incredible sum of money will have a really positive impact," said Jemima. "It will ensure that my swimmers have the option to be supported through the lengthy and expensive process to become qualified to compete and we can further develop the squad. This gives them the same opportunity as many mainstream swimmers, which is a huge goal of mine.”

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Stutton Village from all the Stingrays.”

As previously reported by The Press, Jemima met Princes William and Harry in May to accept The Inaugural Diana Legacy Award for her work with young people. Jemima was one of just 20 young people chosen from around the world to receive the prestigious award.

Emily Tudball and Mike Grayson, Chairs of Sutton Social and Village Committee, approached Jemima to inform her of the donation, as they felt it was such a worthy cause.

“I am so overwhelmed by the amount of support Tadcaster Stingrays has received from the local community,” said Jemima.

Tadcaster Stingrays is open to 11 to18-year-olds with learning and physical disabilities. They need to be able swim unaided without armbands for at least 25 metres.

The group meets at Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool each Wednesday from 6.30-7.30pm. The club is also an opportunity for the young people to gain a sense of belonging and to be proud members of a group.

For details contact Fiona Garnett on fiona@tadcasterpool.co.uk