Four West Yorkshire-based members of the Great Britain Special Olympics team are getting a taste for 'porridge' as they prepare for next summer's World Special Olympics in Dublin!

Simon Waggett, 20, Wakefield's Paul Wilson, 26, Helen Burton, 33, of Bradford and 39-year-old Andrew Hurst of Shipley have all been selected to compete for their country and have been getting in some heavyweight training at Armley Prison, together with the rest of the Yorkshire and Humberside Special Needs squad.

"It is very important that we get as much training as possible, and we enjoy our Sunday morning sessions at Armley," says Wilson, who attends Wakefield and District Sports Club and has recently won two Sports Personality of the Year awards.

Paul, a Wakefield College student, has also trod the boards with the Pilot Youth Theatre and took to the stage at the Millennium Dome as part of the McDonalds 'Our Town Story' in February, 2000. He also counts athletics, snooker and darts among his passions

Waggett, who attends Craven College in Skipton, competes in a wide variety of sports as an active member of Bradford Sports & Recreation Association (BSRAPD), while Andrew is also involved in BSRAPD and has been working at Ashfield Garden Centre for 12 years.

Helen volunteers her time as a carer at a residential unit for the elderly in Bradford, and competes in a ten-pin bowling team. She has picked up many trophies in powerlifting over recent years.

The fearsome foursome will be looking for nothing less than gold in Ireland next June, but remain mindful of the Special Olympics oath: 'Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt'.

A number of inmates are involved in the training, and Darren of Beeston is full of praise for the sessions, saying: "This is a fantastic project and we enjoy the experience of working with the powerlifters.

"It opens your eyes to the many ways in which we can attempt to put something back into society and the community, and it is an area of work that I would like to get involved in when I am released."

Darren also organised a recent special needs powerlifting tournament as part of his NVQ in Sports and Recreation.

The athletes have been visiting Armley for nine years and have formed a strong bond with prisoners and prison officers. Prison Officer Alan Hughes is responsible for organising the training and is also taking charge of the British Powerlifting Championship for People with Learning Disabilities in Garforth on November 8-9.

"Everyone involved with the sessions gets something out of it. The inmates, athletes and coaches all have an opportunity to share expertise and skills," said Alan.

Prison Governor Chris Walker said: "The training is a vital part of our inmates' rehabilitation, and interest has grown in the project over the years. We are all hoping that Andrew, Helen, Simon and Paul do well in Dublin."

The powerlifters are part of a squad of 12 from Yorkshire and Humberside representing Great Britain and they are looking for sponsorsorship. Further information from Judy Birdass on 01262-470201.

The five Bradford area special olympians (Keighley's Graeme Cunningham is competing in the ten-pin bowling) are having a fund-raising night at the Midland Hotel, Bradford on Saturday, November 23.

More details are available from John on 07773 671814. Pictured are: Back row, from left: Simon Waggett, Darren (inmate), Andrew Hurst, Jane Hague (coach). Front: Heidi Karaba (GB swimmer), Helen Burton.