A YOUNG Olympic swimmer has received a financial boost to aid her quest for gold.

Richmond's Joanne Jackson has been awarded £1,000 to help pay for training and with the cost of travelling to competitions from the district council's talented young sportsperson fund.

Miss Jackson, who started swimming competitively at national level when she was 13, is the British and European 400m freestyle champion.

She received a late call-up to the British Olympic squad in the summer, swimming in the 400m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay.

"Going to Athens was pretty overwhelming," said the 18-year-old.

"Although we didn't perform fantastically well, I was able to use the experience as preparation for Beijing in 2008 and that was extremely valuable.

"Competing at a high level at any sport doesn't just take dedication - it takes time and money.

"It's good to know the local council recognises that and is prepared to support the district's sporting youngsters."

The Richmond School sixth former swims 60km a week at Richmond Pool.

"This is the third grant I've received from the council and it really helps," said the swimmer. "I regularly travel to Newcastle for training - that uses a lot of petrol. And often, when I'm competing farther afield, there are hotel bills to pay, which cost my parents a fortune. The grant lightens the load."

Richmondshire District Council has given grants totalling £2,525 to eight talented young sportsmen and women over the past year to help them develop into stars of the future

"The amount awarded is directly related to the amount spent by the competitor, or their parents, on training costs, travel expenses and accommodation," said Councillor Richard Dunn, the chairman of the community committee. "The maximum amount granted is usually £300 but, in Joanne's case, the level of funding was increased. Her commitment and achievements deserve recognition and support, and this was reflected in the amount awarded."

Richmondshire Leisure, which operates the town pool, has extended its opening times to accommodate the early morning schedules of Miss Jackson and other talented swimmers from the area