Aberdeen-based John Lawrie Group has announced that it is backing local swimmer Hannah Miley as she continues her preparations for targeting more precious metal at this year’s Commonwealth Games and the Olympics in 2012.

‍

‍

The environmental services and metal reprocessing firm has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with the 20-year-old Inverurie athlete, which will help her maintain her rigorous training schedule as she looks to build on her recent successes in the pool.

Currently ranked third in the world in the 400m individual medley after clinching two gold medals in the recent Mare Nostrum series, Hannah is one of the favourites to win gold at the European Championships in August. This week, though, she is expected to secure her place in the Scottish Commonwealth Games squad when she competes in the Scottish National Championships.

Group financial director, Charlie Parker, said: “The John Lawrie Group is really pleased to be able to support Hannah as she continues her preparations for the Commonwealth Games in October and then for the Olympics in 2012. As an Aberdeen company it is always encouraging to see a local athlete achieving the success that, to date, Hannah has.”

The Garioch swimmer has a hectic schedule that sees her train six times a week at her local pool in Inverurie and compete at international level, while studying for a degree in sport and exercise science at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University.

Mr Parker added: “It is great that Hannah decided to stay in the north-east to continue her education and is also able to maintain her demanding training programme with the facilities that the area offers. She is a passionate and determined individual and an inspiration to many people.