TOP Bolton athlete Stuart Stokes is on the road to gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, thanks to a local conservatory systems manufacturer.

K2 Conservatory Systems, based on Burnden Road in Bolton, have sponsored the 27 year-old Bradshaw steeplechaser as he strives to improve on his impressive fourth place in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

K2 has given Stuart a Toyota Rav 4 which enables him to travel to training sessions in London.

Stuart said: "K2's sponsorship has been a lifeline for me. Considering the intensity of my training schedule, I dont think I would have been able to carry on competing without their support.

"Plus, my best chance of success lies in training with the right coach, which means I have to travel to London."

Sally Fielding, K2 managing director said: "Stuart's achievements are a testament to his ability and his potential.

"We wish him all the luck in the world."