A COMPANY is splashing the cash to help a Blackburn-based swimming club produce an Olympic hopeful for London 2012.

Leading architecture and design practice Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) has signed a major sponsorship deal to support the development work of Gallica - Lancashire's elite squad of young talented swimmers, which is based in Blackburn.

Gallica - Latin for Red Rose - provides top class coaching and support for the county's best competitive swimmers.

FWP, which specialises in designing new sports stadia across the UK, is looking to develop youngsters aiming to stake a claim for inclusion in the GB squad for the 2012 games.

The firm, based in Preston, has a strong track record of supporting young local sportsmen and women, and managing partner David Robinson said: "It's a top class team of young swimmers and coaches.

"But it is quite a costly exercise to run, so anything we can do to ease the burden is appreciated."