A SPORTS equipment company has put itself on top of the podium after clinching a deal with the London Olympics.

Gymnova will supply gymnastic equipment to be used in competition and training by the world’s top gymnasts at the 2012 games.

It means potentially millions of TV viewers will see competitors performing on Gymnova equipment including rings and mats at the O2 Arena and Wembley, two of the venues for the sport.

The deal - the value of which has not been disclosed - recognises Gymnova, of Colne Road, Kelbrook, as a Tier 3 sponsor of the 2012 games, on a par with corporate giants like Next and John Lewis.

General manager Phillip Wattleworth ((CORR)) said: “When we found out we had won the contract, we were extremely proud.

“We knew the bidding would be competitive - it was all the gymnastic equipment companies in the world going for it.

“Now we are using it as a marketing tool, telling people we are an Olympic supplier, and there is a feel good buzz about the place.”

The head office of Gymnova is based in Marseilles, where the equipment is made.

But the nine staff in Kelbrook are in charge of dealing with key contracts and distribution.

Bosses at the firm’s East Lancashire office are hoping to increase turnover on the back of the Olympics deal.

Mr Wattleworth added: “When I started here a couple of years ago we were a bit smaller than we are now.

“We don’t know what will happen on the back of this but we are certainly hoping to use it as a springboard.”

Sister company Entre Prises UK, which is next door in Colne Road, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of climbing walls.