A CREWE girl's dream of joining the GB Judo Squad to represent her country is a step closer to reality, thanks to backing from the oldest company in her hometown.

Sponsorship from Mornflake was the best 16th birthday present Milly Horsfield could have wished for as she trains for a busy programme of competitions throughout the UK.

Milly, from Haslington, is already part of the England Squad after winning the British Championships three times and the England Open Championships and its Welsh counterpart twice.

She now hopes to compete in next year's European Championships in Poland and the Gresty Road company is supporting her travel costs while supplying energy-boosting porridge products.

Milly with an impressive array of medals including a gold and silver won at the recent Northern Ireland Open judo competition (Jan Roberts).

The Sandbach High School pupil became hooked on the sport after watching her big brother Oliver, 18, take part in sessions at Victoria Judo Club in Shavington.

She begged her mum to have a go and was attending classes from the age of six. Ten years on she is a member of Cheshire Talented Athlete Support Scheme and passes on her skills as a coach at Sandbach Judo Club.

Her mum Kerry said: "Milly constantly surprises everyone with her dedication to training and passion for the sport. Judo instills respect towards fellow competitors and coaches, and she loves to promote that and encourage others.

"Her ultimate dream is to join the GB Futures Squad and one day represent her country at the Olympics. It's an expensive pathway so the support we've received from Mornflake is very much appreciated and a nice gift on her birthday."

Milly has medals from various European competitions under her belt as well as an Everybody Trust Young Sports Achiever award. She now trains and represents SKK Judo Club in St Helens and travels to sessions throughout the North west and the British Judo base in Walsall.

She said: "All of this is self-funded so sponsorship can help me continue on my judo pathway and follow my dreams. I'm grateful for support from Mornflake as it's so local to me. It's nice how it has helped other athletes and health and wellbeing projects locally."

Mornflake, a major employer of more than 300, exports its porridge, muesli and granola products to 70 countries but takes pride in its Cheshire roots with 'Made in Crewe' at the core of its branding.

The family milling company, founded in 1675, is a long-time shirt sponsor at Crewe Alex FC and supports its hugely popular football coaching scheme for children.

Its Superfast Oats helped power wheelchair racer Andy Small from Nantwich to gold medal glory at the last Paralympics and a team of female friends to success in the Talisker Atlantic Rowing Challenge at New Year.

Road sign. Mornflake: Proud to call Crewe home (Jan Roberts).

Mornflake managing director James Lea said: "We receive many requests for support but Milly impressed us with her judo achievements to date and her ambition to represent her country.

 "Her passion to promote the sport and its good values is commendable and we will watch her progress with interest."

Throughout the spring and summer Mornflake porridge oats will fuel the legs of thousands taking part in UK Triathlon events up and down the country.

For more on the 'Millers of Mighty Oats' view its website.

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(Jan Roberts)