BOLTON sportsman Jamie Cole is coming on by leaps and bounds -- and now hopes to represent his country in the Commonwealth Games.

The 19-year-old pole vaulter, originally from Wales, sprang into action yesterday when his bid to make the international team was given a huge boost with sponsorship -- from a Breightmet school.

Jamie is the son of Maldwynd Cole, caretaker at Top o' th' Brow Primary School, and was delighted when the pupils and staff decided to lend him a helping hand.

To help sponsor Jamie's attempt to represent Wales in the 2002 Games, they held a disco to raise money for him. And yesterday the proceeds of £200 were handed over to him.

Jamie broke into the Welsh international team last year, making two appearances in the side. The money will go towards either his training, or purchasing training materials.

Dad, Mr Cole, said: "When we first came to Bolton from Wales, Jamie was about six or seven. We walked through Leverhulme Park and he was fascinated by the running track.

"He joined Bolton Harriers when he was eight and was at first a cross country runner. But then at one of the meetings we were short of a pole vaulter and Jamie said he would have a go. He took to it like a duck to water."

Since then Jamie, coached by his dad, has been county champion for the last five years, and a county record holder for three separate age groups.

Mr Cole added: "They say you have to be slightly mad to pole vault, especially when you think that you are upside down on a pole about four or five metres high in the air.

"Jamie has suffered from a great many muscle injuries in the past two years as a result of pole vaulting. But we are now hoping that he will be able to compete in the Commonwealth Games. It would be marvellous, but he does need all the sponsorship he can get."

Jamie is currently working at Safeways on a year out to concentrate on his training. He hopes to join the police force next September.

Mr Cole, a caretaker at Top o' th' Brow for the past 10 years, said: "It came as a complete surprise to me when the headmaster said what staff and pupils were proposing to do. It is a lovely gesture."

Jamie added: "I am hoping to get to the Commonwealth Games. Pole vaulting is something I really enjoy -- particularly its fear factor. The money given to me today will really help."