A BUDDING triathlete has received a year's free membership from Crystal Leisure Centre to help achieve her dream of sporting glory.

Kate Miller, aged 38, trains at the Stourbridge leisure centre and will be competing in the aquathlon for Team GB at the European Championships in Russia next year.

She can now use the facilities at the centre free of charge to help her prepare for the games.

The supply teacher has already represented Great Britain at the European Championships in Glasgow in August, and again in Ibiza in October.

Councillor Keiran Casey, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "When Kate contacted me asking for assistance I was only too happy to help.

"It’s great to see someone from our area competing for our country on the European and world stage, and we want to help her as much as we can to be the best she can be."

He added: "The year’s free membership will allow her to use the pools and the gyms as often as she wants without worrying about cost, and I look forward to seeing how she does in the European Championships flying the flag for the Black Country next year.”

Kate explained: "I am delighted with this and would really like to thank Keiran and Dudley Council for their help.

"Athletes, regardless of their level, rely on sponsorship to fund their travel and training.

She added: "Any support like this helps tremendously.”