JESS Grimson believes she and Victoria Palmer have a "fair chance" of winning a medal for Team England at next year's Commonwealth Games.

Beach volleyball is set to be included in the programme for the first time and Bournemouth-based Grimson and Poole-based Palmer are hoping to capitalise in Queensland.

Grimson, a sports therapist at Physio Fitness in Parley, said: “We are heading to Australia with a fair chance of bringing a medal home, which is beyond exciting.

"It makes me even prouder to do this for the local fans and businesses who have followed our journey and also for women in sport.

"It just shows passion and dedication can make a dream come true, even at international level.”

The duo are four-time national champions and Palmer, a PCSO by profession, is keen that she and her playing partner do themselves justice.

Palmer said: “I am so proud to represent Team England and I would like to thank our fans and followers who have always supported us.

"All my efforts will be about ensuring we deliver a world-class performance to make our families and friends proud."

The duo have self-funded their qualification campaign but are hoping local companies will offer them financial support ahead of their trip in March.

Grimson added: “We would like to invite business owners to get behind us by sponsoring us and becoming part of our journey.

"If you would like to join the team and can offer your support, please get in contact. Worldwide, beach volleyball is a very popular spectator sport and it would be a superb opportunity for anyone to help us make history.”

Contact sponsorship.palmergrimson@gmail.com to request a full brochure.