IPSWICH athletes, who compete at international sporting events, are set to benefit from free services from the town's businesses.

IPSWICH athletes, who compete at international sporting events, are set to benefit from free services from the town's businesses.

Thanks to local sponsors, the 11 sportsmen and women, who make up the Elite Squad of Ipswich Borough Council's Team Ipswich, will be given a package of support, worth �7,200, for the rest of this year.

This should relieve financial pressure to enable them to further progress in their sport.

The support package includes free bus and train travel, free eye care and help with healthcare and physiotherapy.

Karen Pickering, Ipswich's Ambassador for Sport who attended the initiative's launch at the Cornhill, said: “This much needed help gives recognition to the dedication and achievements of Ipswich's top sportsmen and women who are often stretching themselves financially through all their training and competition costs. We hope it will help the Elite squad members to reach their full potential.”

Judy Terry, Ipswich leisure spokeswoman, said: “The borough is delighted to be able to support these talented athletes and is encouraged that so many businesses are adding to the value of our support.

“We hope that the benefits secured through Team Ipswich will aid our local sporting talent in their success, building a sporting legacy up to and beyond 2012. We are very grateful to all the sponsors for this.”

Team Ipswich's Sports Foundation grants have also just been launched and are aimed any athletes or budding sportspeople to help with training and competition expenses.

To be eligible, people must either live in Ipswich or are in full time education or employment in the town, or are a subscribed member of a sports club within Ipswich.

Mrs Terry added: “We recognise that the town's elite and developing sporting talent need all the support they can get. We hope the new foundation grants will continue to help develop Ipswich's international impact on the sporting stage.”

Applications can be made via e-mail to team.Ipswich@ipswich.gov.uk

For further information visit www.teamipswich.com.

Will the funding help create international sports stars? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

Ipswich Buses - free bus transport

John Grose - discounts on car purchase or hire

Kite Opticians - free eye examinations and discounted eyewear

National Express - free train travel between Ipswich and London

Prettys Solicitors - free legal advice

Sian Cooper Sports Massage Therapist

SportsMedEast - healthcare and physiotherapy

Cineworld - free cinema passes