LOCAL athletes are major beneficiaries of and key players in an exciting amalgam of track and field super forces with almost 100 South Bucks-based athletes already signed up to a new super club.

The recent merger of Windsor Slough & Eton AC and Borough of Hounslow AC (Middlesex), has been further powered by Bucks athletes opting to compete for the new club which offers training bases and coaching teams in three counties, including Wycombe Sports Centre.

The new club includes a host of international athletes, among them, Olympian sprinters Marcia Richardson and Mark Richardson.

In addition, Marlow based Hayley Yelling, a member of the Great Britain World Cross-Country team and top local runner Mike Simpson, are among the stars of a strong distance squad.

Among the many talented young local athletes recently signed by WSEH are upcoming Combined Events and Triple Jump star Carly Robson and former GB Under 23 international Loretta Thorne.

The new club offers athletes the facilities at the £5 million purpose built Thames Valley Athletic Centre in the grounds of Eton College and the help of top coaches.

Wycombe-based coach Alan Hewson said: "This is probably the best news for local athletes in years.

"We are getting the best of both worlds. Our squads will continue to be based locally at Wycombe Sports Centre but we will also have access to top class indoor facilities and a greater range of competition opportunities."

He added: "There is the most incredible buzz among the squads in our sessions at Wycombe now. I have never felt so positive going into a new season."