TOP table tennis players could get in training for the London Olympics at the University of Kent at Medway.

Staff at the university are in talks with the English Table Tennis Association about setting up training camps for British and international competitors in the run-up to the 2012 games.

The announcement follows news that the university has pledged £3million towards a radical overhaul of the Black Lion Leisure Centre into a centre of sporting excellence, to be known as Medway Park.

The facility will include an athletics track, health and fitness suite and gymnastics centre. Building work is expected to begin later this year.

The Universities at Medway campus in Chatham Maritime is home to first class sports facilities, including an ultra-modern fitness suite based in the £7 million Medway Building.

Sports stars Steve Backley, Steve Cram and Danny Crates took a tour of the building and chatted to students on the sports therapy degree course during a visit to Medway last Tuesday.

The talented trio enjoyed lunch in the Pilkington Building as part of a day-long series of events designed to demonstrate Medway’s commitment to getting involved in the London 2012 Olympics.

Jane Glew, deputy director for the centre for sports studies, said: "There will be opportunities for sports students to gain valuable experience working with a range of athletes, from elite performers to those who are up-and-coming.

"This hands-on experience will play a key part in our students meeting the high standards required for working in the sports and leisure industry."