HELPFUL Holidays, the South West holiday cottage specialist, was delighted to welcome Britain's top female pistol shooter, Georgina Geikie, to its Chagford offices last week.

After winning bronze in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, South Tawton's Gorgs' Geikie is aiming for a gold medal in the air pistol and sport pistol shooting events at the London Olympics on July 29 and 30 next year, to be held at the Royal Artillery Barracks, London.

Helpful Holidays' sponsorship provides vital financial support to Gorgs as she trains intensively for her Olympic goal.

Her routine includes shooting practice for an hour and a half each day, followed by three or four hours of fitness training and mental preparation. This training regime is designed to ensure that Gorgs' focus and concentration do not waver under the pressure of competition.

Collecting her Helpful Holidays sponsorship cheque for £500, Gorgs said: 'Thank you so much for your generous support. The funding is crucial, and with your help I have a chance of realising my dream — a gold medal for Great Britain.'

Moray Bowater, general manager of Helpful Holidays, said: 'It's a real pleasure to help such a dedicated and gifted young athlete achieve her goal.'