Up and coming Manx cyclist Tom Black has been appointed as the Lloyds TSB Local Hero for the Isle of Man for 2009. 

The Lloyds TSB Local Hero initiative is run in conjunction with SportsAid and it identifies potential 2012 Olympians within Britain.

A grant of ?1,000 is given to each Local Hero subject to an annual review by their local sports commission and SportsAid. 

The money goes towards essential expenses, any medical support they may need and training costs and ultimately to help their journey to 2012 success. 

Tom is one of 250 emerging sportspeople that has been identified as a Local Hero for 2009.

Tom comments, "Cycling is a tough sport.  It takes time, dedication and commitment to become the best of the best. 

"I am really pleased that Lloyds TSB has chosen me as their Local Hero for the Isle of Man and am grateful to them for their support."

The Local Heroes programme was created to demonstrate Lloyds TSB’s vision for 2012, which is to inspire and support young people and communities all over Britain. 

Jonathan Potts, Senior Manager at Lloyds TSB Personal Banking, comments, "There are thousands of young hopefuls on the sporting scene who do not receive the recognition they deserve or the funding they require. 

"These young athletes are also required to juggle intense training regimes with school work, studies or even work making it one of the toughest stages in their lives. 

"The Lloyds TSB Local Hero initiative is just one of the many ways we feel we can help make their road to the 2012 Olympics that little bit easier."