Twelve-year-old Oliver Fensom applied to the charity fund to help him with the cost of a set of lightweight wheels and a skin suit and has been given a £200 grant.

Oliver, who is in year seven at Spalding Grammar School, is a member of Spalding Cycling Club and is now at the right age to compete in open time trials.

In his application letter Oliver said: "After what I consider to be a successful 2007, winning the Lincolnshire under-12s cyclo-cross, the road race league at Barkston Heath, the under-12s at the Lincoln grand prix and a successful track season at Welwyn Garden City, I now am able to compete in open time trials and road race events and hopefully achieve my ambition of gaining a place on the British cycling talent team.

"To enable me to continue my success I would like to buy better equipment for my bikes and as I am growing, purchase more of our club clothing.

"My parents have bought me a very good secondhand bike but unfortunately it came with some heavyweight wheels."

Oliver said: "The money will go a long way towards buying some new wheels for my bike.

"I love cycling but it is a very expensive hobby."

The Children's Fund was set up by the Lincolnshire Free Press to help projects that benefit the lives of under-18s in our area.

To bid for cash from the fund or to nominate a worthy cause, write to the Children's Appeal Trustees, care of Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding, PE11 1AB.