SPORTING heroes of tomorrow will receive a cash boost today worth £60,000 from the University of Southampton.

Bursaries will be awarded to more than 30 young athletes studying at the university and at sixth form colleges in Hampshire to help them develop their sporting careers while studying.

Last year, three of the 15 students awarded bursaries - athlete Robin Tobin and sailors Christina Bassadone and Katherine Hopson - competed at the Olympics in Athens.

This year, 12 university students will receive awards along with 15 university graduates and six students from sixth form colleges in Hampshire.

Bursaries are worth £3,000 for university athletes and £1,000 for sixth form students. The cash must be spent on specific support such as coaching.

Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Bill Wakeham said: "I am delighted that the university continues to support the development of talented young sports people. As we bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games in London, many of the young people here today may be representing their country in future games."