A TEENAGER is toasting the generosity of a local pub as he seeks to fulfil his Olympic dreams.

David Ryding, already an accomplished international skier at 17, collected a cheque for £550 towards his training expenses as he prepares for the next Winter Olympics in 2006 in Turin, Italy.

Staff and customers at the Crown Hotel, Croston, took part in various fundraising activities to support David. One enthusiast Eddie Martin was successfully sponsored to give up his beloved pints for a week.

Licensees Siobhan and Alan Bayliff handed the cheque to David and his family at a special gathering in the Crown.

David, who is coached by his father Carl, has been skiing since he was six-years-old and is a regular with the England Junior squad.

On snow, he has represented the English Alpine Ski team and was second overall in the slalom and giant slalom at the English Championships this year.

He has visited several countries to compete, including Austria, Norway, France and Switzerland.

On dry slopes, David is the English Grand Prix overall champion, winner of the Welsh Championships and a member of the Pendle squad, the All England team champions of 2004.

David, a pupil at Runshaw College, said: "I am very grateful to everyone who contributed in any way. There is no national funding for people at my level. This sum of money will be a great help."

Siobhan said: "We see David as a worthy local cause and we all wanted to help him out. He's been a fantastic success already, but if we can help him on his way to the Olympics that would be great for him and for the village."

David's younger sister, Joanna, has also been selected to ski for England Juniors.