A SOUTHAMPTON chef is to spend fewer hours slaving over a hot stove and more in the gym to concentrate on fighting for a place in the Beijing Olympics.

Gareth Brown, kitchen manager at the Clump Inn, Chilworth, has been told he can give up full time work and concentrate on Tae Kwon Do with the financial backing of UK Sport.

It means that the 25-year-old - the only European fighter to come within a point of the current Olympic gold medallist at his weight when the two met - can put everything into the sport he loves.

Brown has been given an invitation to join UK Sports' Elite Performance Programme, which is only extended to those at the top of their game.

"I am really buzzing," said Gareth. "I have just got confirmation and have sat down with UK Sport director Gary Hall and my dad to make sure I will have enough money to live on and pay my mortgage."

Brown's career in Tae Kwon Do could have ended just over a year ago after he suffered a bad foot injury but he has battled back and was recently fighting in a category A competition in Belgium.

"I was happy with my performance and could have done better if I had kept my composure. But I went further than some people who are already elite performers," he added.

"This is something I have been chasing since I was 17. When I broke my foot I thought it was all over but this is great news."

Brown is a member of British Tae Kwon Do South based at Millbrook which is celebrating success at all levels.

Fifteen-year-old Kirsty Johnstone recently took gold in her first junior competition in the National Championships at Durham and Gemma Johnson claimed bronze after stepping up to senior level in the Belgium Open.

National squad training for GB's junior and senior teams take place on the first Sunday in every month at All Saints Church Hall, Millbrook between 1-4pm.

Contact Joe Brown, UK Sport national/regional coach, on 07774104412 for more details.