Super Marie gets Frostie reception!

5:07pm Wednesday 7th February 2001

TURNING out for training on frosty evenings is not a problem for one of Britains most promising young swimmers.

Whatever the weather, 15-year-old Marie Heselden will be there to start her strict training regime.

And she has good cause to thank Frosties. Kelloggs who manufacture the cereal brand, are sponsoring the World Class Potential Programme, which has recognised 80 swimmers aged 12-18 throughout the country who have the potential to win a world or Olympic medal.

Marie, 15, who lives in Bexley and is a member of the Orpington Ojays Swimming Club, gained her place on the programme by taking the gold medal in the 200 metres breaststroke in her age group at the National Championships last year.

Designed by the Sports Council, the programme also offers some of the funding it receives from the National Lottery.

Each junior is allocated £1,200. Through their parents, they can claim up to £400 of the money to cover expenses, such as coaching fees.

The rest is fund managed by the Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain on Maries behalf.

Apart from the financial help, swimmers like Marie will benefit from the full programme of coaching, team camps, diet and training programmes.

Maries coach, Eve Powis, is naturally delighted with the progress she has made and, now she is with the Orpington Ojays, she will have Jo Mullins, the clubs top swimmer, to help with her training.

Eve said: Maries biggest achievement was winning the 200 metres at the Nationals, but she has also achieved national