A NORTH-EAST car dealership has come to the rescue of a champion long jumper who has had his own car stolen.

Chris Tomlinson, 20, from Teesside, is Britain's number one long jumper and the country's Commonwealth Games gold medal hope. Earlier this year, he broke the British long jump record, which had stood for 34 years.

But when his car was stolen he found it difficult to get to training sessions in preparation for the Games in Manchester later this month.

Rover dealership, CD Bramall, of Heaton, Newcastle, stepped into the breach by giving him a Rover 25.

Chris said: "I was relying on friends and family to get me to training until CD Bramall stepped in with their offer.

"I can't thank them enough. There are only a few weeks left before the Commonwealth Games and having my own car has really made a difference."

Derek Lee, of CD Bramall, said: "I'm glad that CD Bramall and Rover can show their support for a gifted and talented British athlete like Chris."