WITH the Olympic Games just over two years away, the ambitions of five leading West Country sports people have been enhanced by the announcement that Gregory Distribution Limited (GDL) has agreed a sponsorship package with them — they will all be part of Team Gregory.

World champion swimmer Liam Tancock, Olympic modern pentathlon silver medallist Heather Fell, world champion wind-surfer Nick Dempsey, UK 800m champion Jemma Simpson and the UK champion pistol shooter Gorgs Geikie make up Team Gregory and all now feature on the sides of some of GDL's 44ft trailers which will be seen all over the UK.

GDL is one of the UK's leading distribution and logistics businesses based in North Tawton, with more than 400 trucks and 1,200 employees.

Chief executive John Gregory said: 'We are a West Country business with roots that go deep across the region. We wanted to support West Country born or based individual athletes to realise their sporting ambitions and we have created a team of outstanding talents who are committed and totally focussed on what they want to achieve.

'Our aim is to get everyone in the region, as well as all our employees, suppliers and customers, right behind Team Gregory and to create a groundswell of support for them which they feel they can take into the competitive arena.

'We want as many people as possible to follow their progress in the press, on our website, through Facebook and Twitter and to celebrate real Westcountry success. Our contribution is to raise awareness of what these fantastic young people are doing and to make everyone really proud of them.'

Tavistock-based Heather Fell, 27, added: 'To be part of a hand-picked group of athletes who represent not just the South West but Great Britain all over the world is incredibly flattering.

'The support Team Gregory is giving us provides us all with an amazing opportunity to be able to reach our full potential and really put the South West on the map. I am honoured to be part of this team and think we have an exciting future.'

Okehampton's Georgina (Gorgs) Geikie, 26, said: 'To me, being part of Team Gregory is priceless. It fills me with confidence to have this major business support my journey from the South West to the top.'

GDL is supporting Team Gregory through an intensive promotional campaign which includes the startling truckside images, a website and social media opportunities.

Mr Gregory added: 'The commitment is for three years and includes many major sporting occasions such as the Commonwealth Games, the European and World Championships and culminating in the Olympic Games.'

More information is available by visiting the Team Gregory section on the new GDL website at http://www.gdl.uk.com">www.gdl.uk.com