HUDDERSFIELD canoeist Robert Jeffries hopes to be an Olympic star . . .

The Lindley 12-year-old has been tipped as one of 20 sporting youngsters with the potential to become Olympic winners.

Robert was invited to Sheffield's English Institute of Sport athletics track, along with 20 other 12-year-olds, by development agency Yorkshire Forward, which is supporting London's bid to hold the Olympics in 2012.

The aim of the event was to recognise the talents of the youngsters, who could well be taking part as 20-year-olds in the 2012 games.

To help them on their way to sporting greatness, Sports Aid gave the youngsters £150 each towards training, equipment and transport costs.

SportsAid gives cash help to promising young sportspeople.

Don Stewart, people director at Yorkshire Forward, said: "This event is a fantastic way of recognising the breadth and quality of talent across Yorkshire.

"These young people could be Olympic medalists."

Robert got into canoeing because of his father David, who enjoyed the sport as a youngster and took it up again as an adult to keep fit. Robert tried it for himself last year and discovered a natural flair for the sport.

He trains twice a week on canals in Huddersfield with the Pennine Canoe Club.

He also travels to Nottingham every month for a regatta.

This event attracts big names in canoeing, including Ian Wynne who won a bronze medal at this year's Athens Olympics.

Robert also competes regularly and was unbeaten in regional marathon events this year.

Next year, he hopes to work on his sprinting technique.

He said: "I love the speed of canoeing and I like the winning."