GRAHAM CORRIE is about to realise his Olympic dream thanks to funding from his employers.

Mr Corrie, of the landscaping team at Darlington's Lingfield Point estate, will be competing in the Northern Regional Special Olympics, in Glasgow next July.

He was selected by the Darlington Special Olympics Committee to be part of the town's football team at the regional event.

The team of 18 people with learning disabilities will also participate in events including swimming, table tennis, and ten-pin bowling.

Mr Corrie confirmed his place after his Lingfield Point employers paid £250 to cover costs including transport, sports equipment and accommodation.

The team are hoping to go on to the World Games, in Beijing, in 2007.

Lingfield Point estate manager, Eddie Humphries, said: "This is a great opportunity for Graham, who we all know is a keen footballer.

"We know how much this means to him."