LOCAL businesses and organisations are being encouraged to support the next generation of athletes.

Wiltshire Council and Wessex Chambers of Commerce are hosting a second Business and Sports Gala Dinner at County Hall, Trowbridge on March 26.

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, where almost £30,000 was raised to provide financial help to local, elite athletes, the council is again calling on businesses to get involved. There are lots of opportunities for businesses that decide to support the initiative and get involved – such as publicity, building up unique relationships with local athletes, many networking opportunities and free membership of the Wessex Chambers of Commerce.

Money raised will fund a special foundation set up to build on the annual Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians grant.

Last April, 14 of Wiltshire’s most talented athletes benefited from funding including swimmers Aaron Moores and Stephanie Millward.