BECCLES shooting starlet Edward Graver insists his selection for the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme is already enhancing his dream of going one better than Olympic ace Richard Faulds at London 2012.

BECCLES shooting starlet Edward Graver insists his selection for the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme is already enhancing his dream of going one better than Olympic ace Richard Faulds at London 2012.

The 14-year-old Norwich City Target Club member is one of 250 emerging Brits that will receive £1,000 each year in the run up to London 2012- plugging a financial gap as Graver is yet to achieve world-class lottery funding.

Graver will also benefit from the knowhow of Lloyds TSB Local Heroes mentors, including former Olympic triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards, while he has already put the cash to good use - funding his extensive travel and investing in some extra equipment.

And after watching Faulds qualify for his third Olympic final in Beijing as Team GB finished fourth on the medal table with 19 golds, their most successful Games in a century, the Sir John Leman High School pupil is already aiming to continue the medal rush in four years time.

“My sport is really expensive with all the equipment that needs to be bought and my parents have taken on most of that, so to get the money will be a big help,” said Graver.

“I go down the club once a week and I practice dry shooting at home, but the competitions are where I get the most benefit.

“When the cost of travelling to foreign competitions is added on it can get really expensive, but with the money hopefully I'll have one less thing to worry about and my dream of being a 2012 medallist.

“Watching the Beijing Olympics was a real inspiration to me. While we weren't all that successful in the shooting, Richard continues to challenge the best in the world.”

The Lowestoft-born teenager is aiming for the top and is already a member of the 2010 Commonwealth Games Academy, which could mean a trip to Delhi at the age of 16.

And former Olympic and World champion Edwards, who still holds the triple jump world record, is predicting a golden future for Graver.

“There is a lot of money in sport now through the lottery but Edward is not quite good enough just yet to take advantage,” said Edwards.

“He still makes a huge commitment in time and money in order to do what he does and he doesn't get a lot back. This relieves a bit of pressure and gives him a boost.

“Sport can be lonely so when someone comes along and believes in you enough to give you £1,000 it makes you realise you will make it after all.”

Lloyds TSB is providing up to £1,000 to 250 emerging young sportspeople identified each year across Britain, in the run up to London 2012 and beyond.

Visit website www.Lloydstsb.com/Localheroes for more details.