An 11-year-old squash star from Portishead has been given a £500 grant by the Asda depot in Portbury.

In the first of the depot's Sporting Chance grants for 2009, Ellie Epke has been given the money to help her develop her squash skills.

Ellie, who is currently ranked number two in England in the under-13 age group and number four in Europe, was on a list compiled by Asda and British charity SportsAid, of the best emerging young talent across the UK.

Ellie has already decided what she wants to do with the money.

Her dad Chris, 46, a salesman, said: "She is over the moon. She really wants to go on a week-long squash camp, and will use the rest of the money to fund her trip to play in the Dutch Open later this year – last year she came 6th."

Ellie, a student at St Peter's Primary School in Portishead, is already sponsored by Shirehampton-based racket company Karakal.

She is coached by Hadrian Stiff at Elite Squash in Redland.

Chris Amos, Asda's general manager, said: "Sporting Chance has been so successful and our colleagues are so proud to be supporting Ellie Epke.

"We hope to add to their grant with as much fundraising as we can over the year to help Ellie."