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Derbyshire skier named as Lloyds TSB 'local hero'

28 May 2008

The nationwide programme will champion future Olympians and Paralympians by providing up to £1,000 to 250 emerging young sportspeople each year in the run up to London 2012 and beyond.

Among those to receive cash help from the scheme is 17-year-old James Machon (pictured) from Hope Valley in Derbyshire.

With a FIS World Halfpipe Ranking of 30, he is on the GB Halfpipe Team and his long term goal is to reach the Winter Olympics in Russia in 2014.

The 'Lloyds TSB Local Heroes' will see more than £1m invested in young British athletes in the next five years, and is being delivered in partnership with SportsAid, the UK charity that has for over 30 years helped the next generation of young British sports people to succeed.

Athletes receiving support through Local Heroes are aged between 12 and 20 and have been nominated by their sports governing bodies.

They are already performing at a top GB or European level within their age group, but they have not yet made their 'breakthrough' performance into senior competition.

The athletes have not yet achieved World Class lottery funding status, they do not have the profile to secure commercial interest and are still in full time education or just starting on the job ladder.

Lord Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, said: "This initiative is exactly the kind of support British sport needs over the next five years. These young athletes are potential Olympic and Paralympic medal winners at London 2012 and beyond and the support 'Lloyds TSB Local Heroes' provides to them will make a real difference to their development."

In addition to receiving financial support, a number of the 'Lloyds TSB Local Heroes' will feature in their own Lloyds TSB regional and local advertising campaign to help raise their profile and encourage local people and businesses to support them.

The bank will also provide extra support by offering guidance on financial planning and money management.For more information on Lloyds TSB Local Heroes visit www.lloydstsb.com/localheroes (opens in a new window)

In Derbyshire, emerging sports stars can also receive support from the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund.

To date 60 performers have each received a bursary of £300 through the scheme thanks to the support of all the local authorities in the county as well as a number of local businesses and organisations.