A FAREHAM schoolboy is going for gold after being backed to the tune of £70,000 in a scheme for future Olympic prospects.

Thomas Peasey, 14, has already won dozens of medals in contests including gold at the World Children's Championships in his chosen sport of tae kwon do.

And he became the first British person ever to win the US Open in 2002.

Now the Henry Cort Community College pupil has his sights firmly set on a medal in the 2012 Olympics.

Thomas has just heard he will benefit from £10,000 to help towards training and competition costs for each year in the run up to the 2012 games under the government-backed Talented Athlete Scheme.

He said: "I gave tae kwon do a try when I was really young and have just carried on going and really enjoy it.

"It's a long way off, but I'm really hoping to get to the Olympics. When I compete, I'm always looking to that.

"I've got to work hard to keep the results up as you get noticed more when you're in the juniors."

His dad Ian added: "It's really, really good. It has been hard work and the funding has all been coming out of our pockets up to now.

"We are so pleased Thomas has been spotted. This will allow him to go away to special camps all over the world."

Thomas, of Green Walk, has been doing tae kwon do since he was six. He became a second degree black belt before his ninth birthday and now competes in junior competitions against competitors aged 14 to 17.

Thomas trains four times a week as well as attending at least two weekend sessions a month at the sport's school of excellence at Loughborough University.

Coach Joe Brown said: "He's just got better and better and now he's brilliant.

"It's just amazing that he's got this funding. He's a lovely lad and very talented."

To take up the sport, call 023 8029 2217.