POLE VAULTER Louise Butterworth continued her solid early-season form with a fourth overall at 2010 Vault Manchester on Saturday.

Birchfield Harriers athlete Butterworth, originally from Paignton, cleared her first two heights of 3.63m and 3.77m, and then made 3.91m at the second attempt.

Three bids at 4.05m failed, so the 24-year-old Olympic hopeful missed out on a top-three finish in the senior women's competition.

Fellow Harrier Henrietta Paxton — she, like Butterworth, has been named in the club's 12 For 12 scheme that hopes to produce a dozen representatives for London 2012 — was second with a fantastic lifetime best of 4.22m.

However even that was not enough to threaten overall ladies' winner and British record holder Kate Dennison, who cleared 4.40m.

The Harriers 12 For 12 campaign is aiming to provide extra financial support for Butterworth and 11 others at the club, which has just announced a fund-raising campaign to run alongside the scheme.

Targeted at 100 businesses and individuals, the scheme is asking for a guaranteed contribution of £100 per year for the next three years in order to generate £10,000 per year to support athletes with their medical and training costs.

Birchfield Harriers chairman Andy Paul said it will be a truly interactive role for any companies wishing to sponsor the athletes.

"We want everyone to know who our athletes are, not just for two weeks a year when there is a major championship on but to watch their progress over the whole year," he said.

"All those who sign up will receive regular updates detailing the athlete's progress over the season and we will also be holding an event whereby all of the 100 members can meet the athletes they are supporting.

"I am very excited about this project and I am looking forward to meeting people who are interested in athletics and will be supporting our work."

As the first member of the Torbay Olympians Fund, Butterworth is also eligible to apply for a share of a £10,000 pot provided by Torbay Council, to further assist her Olympic development.