Hillingdon sprinter Nigel Levine has been handed a timely boost ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month.

Levine, who is trained by British legend Linford Christie at Brunel University, is one of 77 talented young athletes from the borough to have benefitted from a £44,250 award pot.

It comes courtesy of charitable social enterprise GLL and its athlete support programme the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), in partnership with Hillingdon London Borough Council.

On the run: Great Britain's Nigel Levine

And Levine, a 400m runner for Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow AC, is looking to improve on his showing on the big stage in Scotland after missing out on the final at London 2012 two years ago.

"This year is going to be a big year for me as I will be looking to reach my first major championship outdoor final, and should be in contention for a medal at both the Commonwealth Games & European Championships.

"GLL will offer me the chance to use the first class facilities they provide throughout the borough. The GSF award money will also be a great help in going towards training camps, living expenses and nutrition throughout the year.”

Taking a breather: Great Britain's Nigel Levine

More than 1500 supported athletes from across England and Wales have benefitted from a £1,000,000 award pot, representing more than 95 Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympic sporting disciplines and with 76% of all awards going to athletes aged under 21.

To be eligible for a grant, each of the talented young athletes had to live, be in education or

affiliated to a sports club in a nominated borough or district where GLL or its partners operate. For more information visit the GLL Sport Foundation website www.gllsportfoundation.org