Olympic 400m relay silver medallist Jamie Baulch was on hand recently to present a special SportsAid bursary to 16-year-old Norwich triathlete Alex McKibben at the fund's latest Norfolk business lunch.

McKibben, who recently came fourth in the British Elite Duathlon Championships, is already competing in the 17 to 19-year-old age group.

SportsAid Norfolk runs a programme of lunches to raise funds for selected young Norfolk sportspeople who have the potential to go on to national and international competition, to help with their equipment and travel expenses that they normally have to rely on their parents for.

The lunches are sponsored by Norwich-based businesses One On One communications, Howes Percival LLP, Davis Langdon, Lovewell Blake and Handelsbanken.

The latest lunch raised more than �1,000 thanks to auction bids for a signed Norwich City football, a signed print of Sir Henry Cooper, a signed print of four England rugby union legends and a microlight flying experience.

Rob Davies, managing director of co-sponsor One On One Communications, said: 'The lunches have a dual purpose of raising funds for Norfolk's most talented sporting youngsters and providing a fantastic platform for great value client hospitality and networking.

'Raising money that will directly help Norfolk's best young athletes is very rewarding.

'I would encourage other Norwich businesses to come along and take a table and see for themselves what a worthy event this is.'

Cardiff-based Baulch, now a TV presenter, spoke about his experiences as a young athlete right through to winning World Championship gold and running the London Marathon.

Previous lunches have attracted a host of guest speakers.

The lkes of GB javelin thrower Goldie Sayers, Olympic silver medallist swimmer Nick Gillingham, ex-England cricketers Chris Cowdrey and David Steele, ex-footballers Duncan McKenzie and Tony Cottee, Olympic gold medallist rower and Radio5Live rowing correspondent Martin Cross, GB long jumper and bobsleigher Jenny Pacey who is better known as Enigma from Gladiators, and Norwich-based Observer columnist and author Will Buckley have all been involved – to help give a financial and motivational boost to the region's budding stars.

The next SportsAid lunch will beheld on Thursday, October 13. Business wishing to take a table at the event should get in touch with Rob Davies on 07709 366310.