A mother and daughter from East Molesey will represent England in fencing at the Commonwealth Games this month.

Mother Sandra Bottle and her 22-year-old daughter Emily will fly to Melbourne for the games, starting on September 30.

Father and husband Ian said the two had not run the risk of having to face each other because Emily, a former winner of Elmbridge junior sports personality of the year, will take part in the main competition, while Sandra will fence in the veterans’ tournament.

He said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them - but it’s costing me a fortune in flags.”

Fencing receives little financial support nationally, so the pair are looking for potential sponsors.

Mr Bottle said: “Most of the competitors are self-funding, so if any local business was prepared to help cover some of the flight and accommodation costs, that would be great.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring them should email ian.bottle@ntlworld.com.