An Olympic hopeful who put himself on eBay to gain sponsorship has secured the backing of a British shaving brand.

Sprinter James Ellington recorded a 20.52 second 200m run last year, the third fastest for a UK athlete, but the 26-year-old, who lives in Addiscombe, lost out on sponsorship after suffering injuries for four years.

After offering himself in an online auction with a reserve of £30,000, he was tweeted by Will King, the founder of King of Shaves who told him to get in touch should the deal fall-through.

When it was later discovered the top eBay bidder wasn't genuine, King of Shaves secured the primary sponsorship deal.

Mr Ellington said: "Going on eBay gave me amazing exposure but unfortunately the winning bidder wasn't genuine. Thankfully Will King, the CEO of King of Shaves, stepped in and 'shaved' my life!

"I couldn't be happier the deal has been sorted and with a brand I really like, I use their products already. Now I can focus on winning a medal for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics."

The sponsorship deal builds on King of Shaves' Young Blades athletes initiative which saw the company support various athletes between 2005 and 2010.

Mr King said: "When I heard James was struggling to raise funds and go for Gold, I was delighted to get King of Shaves involved as part of our forthcoming 'Wingman' Project- supporting people and businesses with winning potential."

The sprinter who currently works part-time coaching children, said securing sponsorship would allow him to train full time in preparation for the Games.

He added: "I personally want to thank all of the people who emailed, tweeted and wrote to me. I have been so touched by all of your messages of support and even donations to my cause. Whatever I manage to achieve at London 2012, I'm doing it for you.”