Brighouse wheelchair racer Georgina Oliver has been fast-tracked as a future British Paralympian after being handpicked to join the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative.

The 18-year-old former Rastrick High School pupil will receive a cash injection of £1,000 towards training and competing and is one of only 344 up-and-coming athletes selected from across England and Wales.

Oliver attended the launch of the scheme at Loughborough University, where she chewed the fat with Olympic triple jump champion and world record holder Jonathan Edwards.

And Oliver, who races for Halifax AC, isn’t prepared to bide her time in pursuit of Paralympic status with her sights firmly set on next year's 2012 Games in London.

“It is a really good feeling to be selected on the scheme and it is going to be a really big help in terms of travel and accommodation,” said Oliver, who races in the T54 100m, 200m and 400m.

"This year I would like to get my time down in the 100m to 15 seconds, at the moment I am doing 18 seconds and I want to get that down.

"That will take a lot of hard work but I have a lot of inspiration in Tanni Grey-Thompson and Shelly Woods and Mickey Bushell who are currently on the British team.

"They pass on good advice and tell me how to push and I am hoping to get to the London 2012 Paralympics and I know I have to hit certain times to get there.

"It is a real motivation that it is so close to home and I have to make sure I am eating the right stuff and pushing properly, not just tickling the rim but really banging the rim."

In partnership with SportsAid, the Lloyds TSB, as part of Lloyds Banking Group, initiative is designed to ensure more talent reaches the top of their sport.

And Edwards, a former world, European and Commonwealth champion, believes Oliver's selection on the scheme will see her deliver on her impressive potential.

"The concept of the scheme is fantastic because it's helping people out at a really crucial stage of their athletic career when there is not a lot of funding or support," said Edwards.

"You get the financial help which is crucial but there is also the practical side and hearing about the reality of what a lifetime in sport can be like. Being at the workshops and seeing the athletes was incredible.

"They were really exciting to meet because they are really passionate about what they do and you do just think that people like Georgina are the talented future without doubt."

* 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