A GROUP of young roller hockey enthusiasts are hoping to whip up a storm in the sport after landing a £13,000 grant.

The Turton Tornados, who train twice a week at Turton Leisure Centre, have been handed the cash by the Bolton "Citizens of Tomorrow" Millennium Award scheme.

The money is already paying for the services of a professional coach, Great Britain and Blackburn ice hockey player Eddie Cooper, to improve the players' techniques.

Then the club hopes the skills learned by the team will be passed on to younger players and moves can be made to get a Bolton roller hockey league under way.

The Tornados were formed three years ago by parents of young people interested in the sport but only able to play in the streets around their homes. "The parents got together and it started from there," said Tony Muscat, whose son, Luke is captain of the team.

Proper training sessions were organised by manager and Luke's mum, Catherine Muscat and the team now play in the Bury League. Last year they finished runners-up and took a cup.

The team currently has 18 boys and two girls aged nine to 14 and they hope to encourage more children to join in.

The Millennium grant is also helping the young hockey players to broaden their horizons.

At Easter next year they will be visiting Bolton's twin town, Le Mans to take part in a roller hockey tournament.

"They are very excited," said Mr Muscat.

"Roller hockey is the faster growing sport in the world."