GOLDEN girls Venetia and Freya Trotter have taken their next big step towards sports stardom.

Each has been awarded distinctions of Gloucestershire’s Hartpury College and both are to attend key UK sports based-universities in September.

The twins, 18, live at Calmsden, near Cirencester and attended Kingshill School: Freya is No 8 as a shooter in the UK; Venetia is riding high at No 15 in the Modern Pentathlon rankings. Both girls have already represented GB at international competitions.

Venetia is to go to Loughborough University with a view to making the 2016 Olympics when she will be the optimum age for a Modern Pentathlete; Freya, who is to attend the University of Wales, hopes to peak for the 2012 London Olympics.

The twins’ divorced mother Janet said: "I am proud of all three of my girls, Olivia being the eldest. We have been on our own for 12 years and it has been very tough, but through supporting one another plus hard work we have managed to come a long way.

"The girls make a vital contribution by working days off and weekends at a garden centre cafe."

Now the search is on for sponsorship. Venetia and Freya’s PR advisor, Robin Thompson explained: "As everyone will appreciate their next steps will require money – for travel, for equipment, for the best possible coaching at every level.

"The sports bodies are being fantastic but there is only so much they have available.

"I am hoping a major sportswear company will come on board together with businesses in the region who would like to be part of the Venetia-Freya brand.

"Their efforts are a huge inspiration; the support they get from family and friends is truly awesome."

Anyone interested in the girls and their branding should contact Robin on 07966 495908.