Howarth Timber and Building Supplies has announced its sponsorship of 2015 Diving World Champion and British Olympic hopeful Rebecca Gallantree.

Ms Gallantree is one of the most successful female divers in British history as she aims to qualify for the Olympic Games for the third time in her career. She has 18 national synchro and individual titles to her name – more than any other British female diver in the sport’s history – and she was named Leeds Sportswoman of the Year in 2015.

Now a company is backing her with strong ties to her home city, with Howarth Timber first establishing itself in Leeds 175 years ago. Howarth Timber has already put its support behind Paralympic javelin thrower Hollie Arnold as she aims to qualify for the games in Rio this year, and now there could be two British medal hopefuls flying the flag for the timber firm in Brazil.

Ms Gallantree, who won two gold medals at the recent Diving National Cup in Southend, said: “This year has started really well for me, and I’m delighted to receive an extra boost from the support that Howarth Timber is giving me. Knowing that I’ve got the backing of a historic Yorkshire firm during an Olympic year means a great deal to me.”