A 16-STRONG consortium of "angels" has made a dream come true for a North Lincolnshire father-of-two who has his sights set on becoming a world champion in Rio De Janiero in 2016.

A rule change almost dashed the hopes of Alan Rayment, who had both his legs amputated in 1997, of competing against the world's top paratriathletes.

Alan, 35, said: "The rule change requires all paratriathletes to hand-cycle in a recumbent position, which left me requiring new specialist equipment to compete".

It was at this stage the Corus steel company, the corporate partner of British Triathalon, came to the rescue.

The Scunthorpe business immediately pledged £1,500 and embarked on a challenge to find other backers.

No sooner said than done, 15 suppliers and contractors to Corus agreed to chip in a further £5,500 to get Alan on the road to Rio.

Sean Lyons, the Corus site director in Scunthorpe, said: "This is a fantastic example of businesses coming together for the good of the community.

"Thanks to all the businesses who backed us in our bid. We are proud to associate the Corus name with this inspirational local man".

"Alan is an outstanding individual who has devoted his life to helping others, despite the devastating events that led to him losing his legs."

Mr Lyons, who lives in Crowle, said the cash would allow the triathlete to compete at a world level and pursue his dream of becoming an Olympic champion.

The inspirational athlete started to repay some of the debt to his backers at the weekend, when he made his debut for Great Britain in the European championships in Ireland and returned home with a bronze medal.

Alan, a fitness instructor at the town's North Lindsey College and has raised thousands of pounds for local charities since 1997, said: "I am amazed by this help and support.

"Over the years I have raised so much money for others and it is great to receive this support. I will wear all their logos with pride.

"Without their help, I would not have been able to compete in Ireland. I can't express how happy I am.

"I had never raced at European level before, so I did not really know what to expect.

"My aim as an athlete is to improve year on year with the help of my coach Morgan Williams.

"I have up to now improved on my swim, bike and run performances and taken five minutes off last year's swim time.

"My dream is to compete at the Olympics in Rio in 2016."

Alan, who will personally thank his angels on a visit to the Scunthorpe steelworks today, said most of the cash had been used to buy a specialist racing bike and accessories to prepare him for competing in the world stage.