A young athlete has been given a cash boost after receiving a grant to help her prepare for the 2016 Olympics.

Judoka Prisca Awiti-Alcaraz, 16, who trains at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, has won a scholarship of £3,500 from UK Sport to help her train for the Rio games.

The money has been allocated by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

She said: “I’m so thrilled to have been accepted onto the TASS programme and to have the recognition this gives me as an athlete.

“I’ve received vital support from the college’s sponsored athlete programme in terms of providing additional support classes for me when I’m away competing as well as financial help, which means I don’t have to ask my parents to fund my travel.”

Director of the college Kurt Hintz, said: “This is a great addition to Prisca’s training programme and will ensure she is fully prepared for the 2016 Olympics, while also allowing her to continue with the studies.”