Epsom’s Georgina Bland is happy to juggle revising for her A-Levels with preparing for badminton’s Yorkshire Diamong competition later this month.

Bland, 18, is studying for her chemistry, biology, physics and maths exams but has recently seen her revision blues lifted by the news she has been selected on the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme which sees her receive a cash grant of £1000.

The Howard of Effingham School pupil is the first to admit she’s had a topsy-turvy season, competing overseas in both Holland and Spain but crashing out in the first round at the Senior National Championships in February.

But once she gets the small matter of her exams out of the way, Bland has revealed it’s all systems go for the Yorkshire Diamond competition where she will bid to end her season on a high.

“I am really busy with my schoolwork at the moment because I’m getting ready for my A-Level exams,” said Bland, who previously attended Therfield School in Leatherhead.

“I’m studying chemistry, biology, physics and maths so there is a lot of work but I’m used to juggling badminton and education.

“My biggest event left this season is the Yorkshire Diamond where I’ll be taking on most of the best seniors from around the UK as well as quite a few juniors.

“I have had an up and down season with a few international competitions as well as the Senior National Championships.

“I didn’t do as well as I would have hoped at the Nationals in February, losing in the first round. I really felt I could have won that match.

“I’ve really enjoyed competing in the international competitions this year and I’ve been able to go to the Dutch Junior International and a Spanish International tournament as well.”

As part of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme, Bland attended the launch at Loughborough University where she rubbed shoulders with the likes of former Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards.

Bland added: “The Lloyds TSB scheme has been great for me. The financial side is really useful with the costs of international travel, especially with the funding cuts in badminton.

“I used to get free training but with the cuts there are only two training centres and they are both nowhere near me. So the grant is definitely useful in that respect.”

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with, provides support and funding to 344 emerging athletes all the way to London 2012 and beyond. Follow the future stars of TeamGB and ParalympicsGB at: www.lloydstsb.com/localheroes