YOUNG athletes from Kent have received a much needed cash boost to help them achieve their Olympic dreams.

The five athletes were each awarded £3,000 by P&O Ferries on Friday as part of a five-year support programme to help them prepare for 2012.

The grants mark the launch of the company's Talented Athletes Programme (TAP) and the squad members were taken aboard the Pride of Kent for lunch.

"At this stage in their sporting careers the athletes are certainly starting to stand out," said P&O sales and marketing director Simon Johnson.

"The ambition they demonstrate to perform at the very highest level possible means we think they're the ones to watch.

"Hopefully our support will help them reach their potential."

TAP is part of the company's £250,000 sponsorship of Kent County Council Sport Leisure and Olympic Service.

Junior Rower, Hannah Moon, 16, from Deal said the cash award will help pay for equipment and travel related costs.

"One of the first things I'll buy with the money is a pair of decent sports glasses and a heart rate monitor," she said.