Rover has signed a four-year sponsorship deal with UK Athletics, which aims to raise the profile of combined events such as the heptathlon and decathlon.

Rover has invested an undisclosed sum to help increase participation and improve standards of performance. 'The aim is to ensure young athletes have the opportunities to experience combined events, and have the pathways to progress,' said UK Athletics development director, Adam Walker.

The initiative will develop 15 combined events regional centres across the country by next year, which will enable 10,000 school children a year to have a go at combined events. Each year, 150 children will be selected for a regular training squad.