Former Pewsey carnival queen Emma Dainton and retired policeman Colin Harris are planning to paddle for pounds to help local sportswoman Shelley Rudman achieve her Olympic dream.

Skeleton bobsleigh ace Rudman, 24, who lives in Pewsey, has set her sights on representing Britain in the Turin Winter Olympics in February.

On a weight technicality she was disqualified after she finished 11th in the World Championships in Calgary in March, a placing that would have qualified her for National Lottery funding of about £8,000.

Undeterred Rudman, the reigning British champion, is training in preparation for October when the British squad gets back together.

No sport comes cheap at international level and just to enrol with the British team will cost her £2,000.

Now the Shelley Rudman Supporters' Group sent up by villagers in Pewsey is aiming to come up with some cash to help defray her costs.

To help raise funds Mr Harris, a member of the Pewsey Hasbeens group, and the 1993 Pewsey and Wiltshire carnival queen Emma are planning to kayak along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Pewsey Wharf to Pulteney Bridge in Bath on June 26.

Mr Harris said: "She is a local girl doing very well and this should be recognised. She needs every encouragement to go ahead with her ambition."

Donations should be sent to the supporters' group, Whistlers, Hollybush Lane, Pewsey SN9 5JQ.