AN OLYMPIC judo hopeful has been floored by support from a Stevenage shop.

Stevenage international judo champ Kieran Davin, 15, has been backed by rent-to-own chain Brighthouse to help him reach Rio in four year’s time.

Kieran, who recently made his competitive return after a serious shoulder injury said the �1,000 sponsorship through charity SportsAid will help him reach his dream of competing at the games.

“It is great to have the backing of a local company like BrightHouse. The SportsAid award they have sponsored will help me in my recovery from injury and on the road to Rio,” he said.

Nikki Williams, BrightHouse customer service manager, added: “I’m really pleased the staff at the Stevenage store are getting behind local hero Kieran and supporting him on his pursuit of a medal at the Olympic Games in Judo. Kieran broke his shoulder at the British National Championships last year but has shown real determination to recover and get back into training.”

SportsAid awards have been given since 1976 to Britain’s most talented athletes, including Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington, Bradley Wiggins and Steve Redgrave. In Beijing 18 of Britain’s 19 gold medals went to athletes who had support from the charity.