REGULARS at a Hampshire pub have raised £1,300 to help send county athletes to a major national championships.

Eleven athletes from Southampton are in the southern region team competing in the Special Olympics national summer games in Glasgow between July 1 and 9. Three thousand competitors will take part in 23 sports.

Each one of the Southampton athletes needs to raise £500 to compete in the event, for people with learning disabilities.

Thanks to the generosity of customers at the King Rufus pub in Totton, the athletes can spend more time in training rather than fundraising.

Terri Hardcastle, Special Olympics coach and South-ampton Day Services officer, said: "The money from the King Rufus has been a godsend to us.

"The number of athletes from Southampton taking part in the Glasgow games depends on how much money we can raise.

"We're working really hard to give our 11 athletes the chance to compete in these prestigious games."

Sue Harris, manager at Southampton Day Services, said: "We are very proud of our athletes. They have been training regularly throughout the year and are ready to meet any competition ahead of them."

To sponsor Southampton Day Services in the 2005 Games, call Terri Hardcastle on 023 8077 2596.