AN Olympic medal hopeful from the district joined with councillors on a mission to see how nearby sporting facilities for the 2012 games were progressing.

Emma Hollis, from Theydon Bois, joined members of Epping Forest District Council on a visit to the Lee Valley White Water Canoe Centre on the border of Waltham Abbey, and the Olympic Park itself in Stratford.

They were given a presentation on the progress at the canoe centre, which hopes to attract up to 70,000 visitors a year, by Lee Valley Park's Ashley Bartlett.

District council leisure and wellbeing portfolio holder Brian Rolfe said: “Stratford is only a short journey from our district while the White Water Canoe Centre is on the border with Waltham Abbey, as close as it could be without actually being in the district. The construction work is truly impressive at the Centre and breathtaking at Stratford.

“It would be fantastic to see Emma compete at the remarkable swimming complex. Although few of us will measure up to her standard, there will be lots of other opportunities to be involved, working as volunteers, taking advantage of the huge business opportunities or just coming to watch the spectacle.