Blackrod defenceman Paul Swindlehurst says the support for the Great Britain ice hockey team in Eindhoven has been amazing this week at the World Championship.

GB stands on the verge of an historic gold medal and possible promotion in the world rankings today and their efforts have been backed by more than 250 supporters throughout the week and more have made the trip over this weekend.

Coach Pete Russell’s side are looking to win the first gold medal for the men’s side since 1993, which ironically took place in Eindhoven.

A point in today’s game against Lithuania (4pm UK time) would see GB promoted to Division 1A and they could even get gold without playing, if Korea fail to beat Croatia in regulation time in the day’s first game (12:30pm UK time).

Ex-Rivington and Blackrod high school pupil Swindlehurst, who scored his first World Championship goal in last night’s 3-2 victory over Netherlands, said: “The support has been out of this world.

“There are so many people here from GB and the noise they make is unreal.

“It drives us on and it gives us such a lift throughout the games.

“We have had some down times and had to dig deep a number of times in this tournament and that noise from the GB fans really helps.

“It is great to see the support here and read the support from back home. The guys really appreciate it.”