LEISURE chiefs in Richmond have voted to invest £1,200 in a pair of swimming sisters.

The local authority is contributing £1,000 to the career of Nicola Jackson, who amazed the nation with a mature performance under pressure at the Sydney Olympics at the age of just 16.

The latest grant comes on top of £1,000 which was handed over to Nicola, now 17, last year.

Now, her younger sister, Joanne, 14, is following in her wake, winning a gold at the National School Championships last year and representing England and the North-East at international level.

She has now been selected to join the World Class Potential Programme, which gives her access to elite training opportunities - and the £200 from Richmondshire District Council will help to cover her costs.

It also means the Jackson sisters have now been awarded more in grants than any other sporting family in the area.

Council spokesman, Geoff Thompson said: "Nicola's achievements are quite exceptional and it is tremendous to see two world-class athletes coming from a rural area like Richmondshire, putting us on the map.

"When this grant scheme was set up, it was intended to support young athletes at county, regional and national level.

"In deciding to exceed the maximum grant for Nicola earlier this year, councillors were keen to recognise the extra financial pressures placed on athletes who achieve international and world standing.

"They were also aware of the fact that, because both Nicola and Joanne are still at school, the amount of financial support they can receive from Sport England is limited.

"We very much hope this support will help them achieve their full potential and long-term goals.''