MORE than £675,00 is being invested in sports coaching in North Yorkshire as preparations continue for the 2012 Olympics.

The money will be used to fund 12 coaches for the next three years. They will work in the five districts of North Yorkshire with three based in Richmondshire and Hambleton.

The community sports coach scheme is being co-ordinated by North Yorkshire Sport, an organisation that works with local sports bodies.

David Watson, director of North Yorkshire Sport, said: "We are thrilled to have secured this funding for the county.

"This will have a major impact on the delivery of high-quality sports coaching in the area and we are confident that this will result in increased, sustained participation, which is great for the future health, fitness and well-being the country.

He added: "The 2006 national school sports survey showed that the number of pupils being identified as gifted and talented has increased to nearly 190,000, which is four times more than in 2003-04.

"Employing more quality coaches who are able to spot talent and then nurture and develop this skill will see this figure increase further.

"We look towards the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with optimism and hope that there are more athletes than ever before representing North Yorkshire, and of course, Team GB."

North Yorkshire Sport received part of the money for the scheme from the Sport England community investment fund (CIF). The rest was funded by organisations within the county.

The scheme aims to establish a local network of paid and qualified community sports coaches.

In addition to the three CIF- funded coaches, Hambleton and Richmondshire will also benefit from four more coaches, which are being funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. All coaches will work locally in sports clubs and schools.

It is understood one coach will work with five and six-year-olds in the districts to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Another coach will be based at Low Mill Outdoor Centre, in Askrigg, and encourage schools and youth groups to try activities such as canoeing and orienteering.