ONE of Britain's brightest Olympic prospects has received a major boost to her medal hopes.

Teenage swimming sensation Joanne Jackson qualified for Athens in April, when she recorded the fastest time in the world for the 400 metre Freestyle event.

She will now be joined in the Greek capital by her mentor, David McNulty, who is one of only eight coaches chosen to accompany the GB team.

"I am really proud to be representing my country," said Mr McNulty. "It only comes around once every four years and to be there will be something special.

"Joanne is one of the youngest members of the team. She really wanted me to go and I am pleased I will be there, to help with what she goes through emotionally."

Joanne, 17, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, swims for Derwentside Amateur Swimming Club, and is coached by Mr McNulty, the swimming development officer based at Belle Vue Leisure Centre in Consett.

Mr McNulty won a place in the GB squad after a two-week training camp in Cyprus last month. During the camp, the UK team - including Joanne - was one of 12 countries invited over to Athens to take part in a swimming tournament at the new Olympic pool.

"It was fantastic to see the facilities," said Mr McNulty. "There are all these stories flying around about what is and is not ready over there, but the pool was great."

Joanne won gold and silver medals in the contest. But her coach is playing down her medal chances at the real thing next month.

"She is only 17 so hopefully will have another two or three Olympics in her," he said. "This time we are just aiming to enjoy the experience, and help Joanne make the finals."

The pair fly out on Friday next week to spend two more weeks of climate training in Cyprus, before heading off to the Olympic village in Athens.

Steve Howell, head of Derwentside Leisure Services, said: "To have two representatives from Derwentside going to the Olympics is a major achievement.

"It is a once in a lifetime experience that neither of them will ever forget."