Aberdeen archery star Heather Gordon is already dreaming of London 2012 after being handpicked by Lloyds TSB for their Local Heroes scheme.

The 16-year-old Bankhead Academy pupil is one of 250 emerging Brits that will receive the funding each year in the run up to London 2012.

Gordon, who is a member of Banchory Archers, represented Scotland in a home nations tournament earlier this year – coming third in the individual competition.

And Gordon revealed just how much she has been helped by the cash injection.
“The money has come in really useful because there is a lot of travelling to do and lots of equipment to buy, so it is great to get a helping hand,” she said.

“I’ve used the money to buy some new arrows – and I can feel myself shooting straighter already.

“It would be a massive boost to speak to a mentor who had been there and done it, because there are a lot of pressures to cope with and things to overcome to get to the top and that’s where I want to go.

“I’m not sure what the right age is for competing at major championships, I think it depends – if you’re good enough then it doesn’t really matter.

“And it would be incredible to be at 2012, but there are lots of other events ahead I would love to be part of first and foremost.”

As well as pulling on the Scotland jersey the young sharpshooter hit the headlines earlier this year at the UK Junior Championships – taking first prize at the Lilleshall.