OLYMPIC ace Craig Heap is hoping that his plans for a gymnastics school of excellence could be teamed up with East Lancashire's new hospital project.

Health chiefs are currently considering sites for a new 100-plus patient mental health unit.

And Burnley-born Craig has been trying to persuade officials his site at Reedley could be their dream ticket.

Craig held talks with Dave Tomlinson, Lancashire Care Trust's estates director, and Burnley MP Kitty Ussher, on Friday, about the gymnastics centre project.

The discussions were also attended by Mike Locchet, British Gymnastics' north west development officer, and Stewart Kellett, head of Sport England North West.

Ambitious Craig hopes a combined health, leisure and employment site on land off Barden Lane, Burnley near the M65, would find favour with NHS bosses and win planning permission.

Craig said: "Hopefully we can clinch a deal with the NHS with the centre, then look to develop the rest of the site in other ways."

The land adjoins Craig's family's farm and the project itself is a labour of love for the former Olympic and Commonwealth Games gymnast.

He is committed to the idea of bringing an international standard gymnastics training facility to East Lancashire in time for the London 2012 games.

In order to train professionally Craig was required to move away from the area and he wants future Olympic stars to be given the choice of remaining local.

"This is a very exciting time and an exciting project," said Craig.

"It is going to be terrific for the people of Pendle and East Lancashire, to get a gym and health facility, if the site is allocated by the NHS.

"And it is going to create thousands of jobs for people across the area, on the employment side."

An announcement is expected on the mental health facility in July or August this year. It is one of four being planned for Lancashire.

Following the talks, MP Mrs Ussher said: "This is a very exciting project with enormous potential for improving the lives of people living in East Lancashire.

"The gymnastic centre will integrate sport, health and employment, creating thousands of jobs and contributing to the health and well-being of the area."