A TEST Valley businessman is playing a key role in looking after the interests of disabled people as the build-up for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games gets into full swing.

Dr Stephen Duckworth (pictured) who lives at West Tytherley with his wife Rose and their four sons, is managing director of North Houghton-based www.disabilitymatters.com

The company is a commercial consultant which advises on the employment of disabled people and Doctor Duckworth is a member of the board of the Olympic Delivery Authority which has been designated as the single delivery body responsible for creating the infrastructure or the Olympics and Paralympics.

It will work with a broad range of stakeholders, such as local communities, local authorities and the Urban Development Corporation for the Thames Gateway, as well as bodies delivering wider projects which are important to the Games, such as the East London Line.

Clearly hoping that disabled people will be involved in the on-going Games project, Doctor Duckworth said: "This is the chance of a lifetime, the biggest project in the world and the opportunity to create an event with a lasting legacy.

"Getting the venues for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the ultimate task for any businessperson with the ultimate deadline, a completion date that cannot be moved, even by one day.

"I am raring to go and will enjoy working in partnership with my fellow Board Members and our chair Jack Lemley."