Olympics hopefuls helped by developer

Hammer throwers from Hull whose performance has been hampered by the cold snap have had their Olympic hopes boosted by being thrown a training lifeline.

Developer The Horncastle Group is doing its bit to support the UK Olympic effort by allowing Hull's hammer squad to practice in a vacant industrial unit at St John's Business Park in the city.

The unit on Southcoates Lane off Hedon Road, is currently unoccupied, allowing the team, who are busy training for both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, to train indoors on dark nights and when the weather is too cold or wet to practice outside.

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Ian Hodges, director of the Horncastle Group, said: "Horncastle pride themselves on offering innovative space and solutions to businesses and are also keen supporters of local community projects and charities.

"So this was a fantastic opportunity to combine both by making an innovative use of space to support a talented local team.

"St John's is in a great location so it's been easy and convenient for the athletes to get to.

"We're really glad they have managed to make good use of the empty unit and hope to be able to cheer them on at the Olympics next year."

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The hammer throwers usually train outdoors but during the extreme weather their performance had begun to suffer.

Team Olympian Dave Smith said: "This space has been invaluable as it's meant that despite snow, rain and dark nights, the squad have been able to continue training whatever the weather,whichis crucial in providing a solid foundation for this coming season and onward toselection for London 2012."

The current squad also includes Shane Peacock, who previously represented England at the Commonwealth Games. Other members, in a team consisting of both men and women include Alex Smith, Pete Smith, James Bedford, Abbi Carter and Sam Blain.

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