A GENEROUS business owner has made a surprise donation to help a Glasgow sports club.

William Fulton, 49, from the city's Summerston, approached the Glasgow Rowing Club after spotting an article in the Evening Times about young champions Helena Davison and Kathleen Castell.

The two 16-year-olds, who hope to follow in the wake of Olympic Champion Scot Katherine Grainger, won silver in the National Schools' Regatta double sculls and William's offer of the use of one of his vans will allow the pair to attend vital training sessions this year.

William said: "All such groups should receive support from local businesses.

"Each year I usually give something to a club - two years ago I donated to the Scouts.

"I was speaking to other local businesses too and I will ask them to give something."

The director of William Fulton Building Services employs 18 staff, and became familiar with the club after building an extension for a team member's family.

Chris Castell, club secretary and mother of 2012 Olympic Gold medal winner Kathleen, described the news as "phenomenal".

She said: "Initially the funding will take the pressure off travelling expenses to the larger events that the girls need to attend.

"Earlier this year they were invited to the GB Junior 16 performance Camp held at Easter, the only girls from Scotland to achieve this.

"There is a follow-up camp later this year which they also hope to attend. It's quite exciting for the club."

Mr Fulton has offered the club the use of his van, which he will fit with a tow bar to accommodate the 40ft boats, allowing the team to travel to and from the training sessions more easily.

Glasgow Rowing club was founded in 1983 and with more than 80 people involved ranging from age 13 to over 60, it is currently seeing its highest member rates.

One of the club's newest boats, or racing shells, was christened at a special celebration BBQ last Sunday.

It was named T-Cake by Boyd Tunnock, of famous Uddingston confectionary company Tunnock's.

hannah.rodger@eveningtimes.co.uk