LAURA HALFORD from Cricklade was one of 11 elite Wiltshire athletes who were each awarded a grant for £1,000 at the second Business and Sports Gala Dinner.

More than £28,000 was raised last Thursday night as Wiltshire’s sports stars were honoured at an evening co-hosted by Wiltshire Council and Wessex Chambers of Commerce, and held in the Atrium at County Hall, Trowbridge.

Money raised from the night will boost the foundation fund set up following last year’s inaugural dinner, which provides financial help to local elite athletes.

Successful applicants receive funding to assist with training, attending competitions, as well as paying for equipment and transport costs to regional, national and international events.

The event’s main sponsors were Aerian, CGI and James Hay Partnership.

Laura, 19, won three medals when representing Wales at rhythmic gymnastics during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year.

Wiltshire Council’s leader Jane Scott said: “I am absolutely thrilled we have managed to raise this much money. The aim of the dinner was simple, to bring business and sport together and as a result deliver a win-win solution.

“We like to set our sights high here in Wiltshire and know that our local sports people need our support to help them to achieve their dream of representing the county and country on the biggest of sporting stages. A small amount of funding can help these athletes to go a long way towards achieving their goal.”

Rob Perks, chief executive of Wessex Chambers of Commerce, said: “It was an extremely inspirational night and we were very proud to be involved.”