The company, which claims to be the third biggest ice cream manufacturer in the world, have continuing their backing of the scheme launched by the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association (BBSA) in October 2014 to encourage promising youngsters.

Two of the current members of the programme travelled to Camp Hill outdoor activities centre near Bedale in North Yorkshire which has one of only two permanent bobsleigh push start tracks in the UK to help launch R&R Ice Cream's sponsorship. 

George Johnston, whose family comes from near Whitby,  and Kelsea Purchall finished the season ranked number one in the world in the men's and ladies’ youth mono bobsleigh categories respectively.  

Purchall also won bronze medal at the recent Winter Youth Olympics in Lillehammer.

At Camp Hill, Johnston and Purchall met up with R&R chief executive Ibrahim Najafi and tested their skills on the push start track.

“I am delighted to support this valuable initiative which will hopefully produce future sliding stars who will shine at the 2020 Youth Winter Olympic Games in Lausanne," said Najafi.

"I am personally keen on the programme as it enables youngsters to make the most of their natural talents and also there is a big focus on commitment and teamwork.  

"At R&R we like to get involved in schemes where our donation will make a real difference and I wish the youth programme every success in the future."

Bruce Ropner whose family installed the push start track at Camp Hill and who was the British two-man bobsleigh champion in 1962 is a vice –president of the BBSA.  

“I am delighted that a successful Yorkshire business such as R&R has agreed to be a sponsor," he said. 

"This intensive programme gives young people the opportunity to find out if they have the strength and courage required to drive bobsleighs at speeds of nearly 90 miles per hour."