Denholme Town Council has pledged £500 to support a villager who will be competing in next year’s Special Olympics.

Chris Thompson, one of a 57-strong team from Bradford district, met councillors at this month’s meeting.

Members have agreed in principle to offer financial support, with the decision to be formally agreed on December 16.

Chris is a member of Bradford Disability Sports and Leisure, which is training young people and adults for the games.

The competitors, who have learning disabilities, must raise at least £400 each for the tournament which will take place in Leicester.

BDSL has set a £30,000 target to cover the entire cost of taking part in the national games.

Funding officer Barry Thorne said: “This is really good news for our funding efforts and will give a big boost to our efforts to raise the £30,000.”

The athletes are also receiving financial support from Greenhead High School and Keighley Area Committee.

Keighley athletes who took part in the last national games went on to compete in last year’s World Special Olympics in Shanghai.