A REDDITCH fastener manufacturer has offered "stern" financial backing to two of the UK's best young sailors who are steering a course for the Olympics.

Protex Fasteners, of Lakeside, has signed a sponsorship deal with Rick Peacock, who comes from Redditch, and his team-mate David Evans, who were last year's junior world champions in the 29er skiff class.

The firm will support the pair for two years as they prepare to compete in the ultra-competitive 49-er class.

Both have competed successfully in single-handed dinghy racing from an early age but teamed up in 2003 to produce a string of outstanding results nationally and internationally.

Protex's marketing manager Mike Rogers said: "We are delighted to be helping Rick and David pursue their goals, especially in view of Rick's strong local connections.

"Like Protex, he is based in Redditch and has a long track record of success.

"We are extremely impressed by his dedication and professional approach and hope our support will enable him to achieve even greater success."

Eighteen-year-old Rick was this year chosen to take part in the opening ceremony of the Athens Olympic games.

He and David have so far come third in the National and European Championships and recorded wins in the Inland National and RYA Youth Championships.

But their big success came with gold in the 29er World Championships last year.

Protex designs and manufactures the world's largest range of 'over-centre' fasteners, with more than 500 variations being used in civil engineering, agriculture, sports, marine products and aerospace industries.