BRITISH swimming champion and television personality Sharron Davies is set to become the second high-profile sporting identity to help boost the chances of Ipswich's young sportspeople.

BRITISH swimming champion and television personality Sharron Davies is set to become the second high-profile sporting identity to help boost the chances of Ipswich's young sportspeople.

The record-breaking swimmer will follow in the footsteps of athletics star Steve Cram in calling on Ipswich businesses to back the town's bid to create a new generation of elite competitors.

Davies will be the guest of honour at Ipswich Borough Council's second Team Ipswich business lunch, which will be held on May 16 in the Grand Hall of the Corn Exchange.

The first lunch sold out and raised much-needed cash for the town's up-and-coming sports stars.

Now the borough council is urging businesses to buy a table for the second lunch to help youngsters fund their training and competitive schedules.

Adam Baker, Team Ipswich manager, said: “Everything raised from this lunch will go towards up-and-coming sports people from the area.

“It is being reinvested in sport in the town. It's an opportunity for businesses to show their support.”

Tables of eight cost £320 and numbers are strictly limited.

Davies hit the big time when, at the age of just 13, she competed at the Montreal Olympics in 1976.

Two years earlier she was selected to compete for Britain aged just 11.

Up until her retirement in 1994, Davies broke more than 200 British records, won a Commonwealth gold medal and was twice voted British Press Sportswoman of the Year.

She was awarded an MBE for services to sport and is a regular commentator for BBC television.

To book a table at the lunch, which will begin at 12.30pm, call Adam Baker on 01473 433505.

Weblink: www.ipswich.gov.uk