Wick cyclist John Paul has been fast-tracked as a future British Olympian after being handpicked to join the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative.

The 16-year-old former Lybster Primary school pupil will receive a cash injection of £1,000 to help with the cost of training and competing after being one of only 250 youngsters selected from across the UK.

Paul is already mentored by reigning Commonwealth champion cyclist Craig Maclean and was quick to pay tribute to his support.

He said: "I'm quite lucky in that I have Craig Maclean as a mentor, which is absolutely fantastic because he talks to me and guides me through some of my training and things.

"When we used to live in Scotland my dad used to race with Craig at the Highland Grass Track racing races and they had kept in touch so he is helping me out now.

"It's great because I can ask him things about training and questions and he just helps me out.

"Getting to come down to events like this is absolutely fantastic because it shows that people recognise that I have potential.

"Being selected is great because it will help to motivate me and encourage me because being selected is a great boost to my confidence."

Paul also attended the London launch of the initiative in Roehampton last week, where he received masterclasses with former British Olympians Iwan Thomas, Leon Taylor and Mark Foster on food, nutrition, media and training.

And former Olympic silver medallist Thomas, who is still the 400m British record holder, was impressed by what he saw in Paul.

He said: "John has got all the potential to be the best at his sport and a scheme like this can give him all the support they need.

"Listening to people like Mark Foster, Leon Taylor or myself, people who have competed at Olympic Games, will hopefully give him the inspiration to achieve their goals."

?I think the Lloyds Local Heroes scheme is a fantastic idea ? I certainly wish there was something similar to help me what I was growing up.

?I wouldn?t be surprised if we have future Olympic champions coming through the Lloyds Local Heroes initiative.?