by MARK FOY

Two Elstree brothers have been given the chance to compete in the Junior Olympics in Florida next month, thanks to support from the Borehamwood Times.

Ronald and Andrew Robson had feared they would not be able to take part in the Tae Kwon Do competition in Orlando due to a lack of sponsorship.

But this month Newsquest, which owns the Borehamwood Times, stepped in with a £500 donation, and a further £1,500 has been pledged by Childrens Celebrations.

Both Ronald, aged 17, who goes to Hillside School, and Andrew, 13, a Furzehill pupil, are national champions and have good chances of picking up an Olympic medal.

Their mother, Angela, of Park Crescent, said: 'They are absolutely over the moon ,, they are feeling really positive and are in with such a good chance.'

Both boys needed to raise a minimum of £850 each in order to be able to fly to Florida for the competition, which will take place between August 3 and 6.

On top of funding from Newsquest, Ronald and Andrew have been given sponsorship by Borehamwood-based Pinnacle Insurance and a friend of the family, Rita Bennett.

Hillside School will also sponsor the boys and Furzehill School will give them money collected during a sports presentation evening and raffle on Wednesday last week.

Childrens Celebrations Ltd, an organisation which supports children's charity events, then agreed to provide the remainder of the funds needed, a total of £1,503.30.