FOLLOWING her family s plea for additional sponsorship, St Ives swimming dynamo Sophie Sweet has had her call answered. Estate Agents movewithus – last month named Business of the Year at The Hunts Post Business Awards – have stepped in to help the young

FOLLOWING her family's plea for additional sponsorship, St Ives swimming dynamo Sophie Sweet has had her call answered.

Estate Agents movewithus - last month named Business of the Year at The Hunts Post Business Awards - have stepped in to help the young talent, who needs funding for new kit and travelling expenses.

The St Ives-based company have agreed to fund 13-year-old Sophie's competitions for the next three months after her plight was featured on the back page of The Hunts Post earlier this year.

Operations manager of movewithus Rachel Lomax, said: "Every month, as a company, we hold fundraising events and choose which good cause the money should go to.

"On reading about Sophie's plight, we all agreed that it would be very special to help a local talent in taking a step closer to their dream."

Domino's of Bar Hill and Aspect Roofing of Peterborough have also pledged money to support the starlet.

Chris Lee, Sophie's grandfather, said: "We are delighted that these sponsors have recognised her talent. The monies received will be put to good use, towards training and travel costs."

Sophie, who attends the St Ivo School, currently holds the Cambridgeshire record times for the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, 100m breaststroke, 200m breaststroke and 100m freestyle disciplines. She also holds the fourth fastest time in the UK for the 100m backstroke, claiming a bronze medal in the National Championships held in Sheffield earlier this year.

Her coach Clive Tuke said: "Sophie is undoubtedly a fantastic talent. She certainly has her eye on the 2012 Olympic Games in London."

The extra funding will allow Sophie to attend one of the country's top swimming galas at Crystal Palace, enabling her to test herself against the best.

Proud mum Emma, who has been taking on overtime and extra shifts at work to help with raising money, said: "Thank you to all those who have agreed to sponsor Sophie and special thanks to The Hunts Post for making our plight public.