OLYMPIC athletes can safely go for gold in all weathers thanks to a thriving Teesside company.

Nationwide Lightning Protection & Steeplejack Services, of Nestfield Industrial Estate, Darlington, is currently surging ahead in helping to make the 2012 Olympic stadium a safe and secure venue.

Specialists in the design, installation and testing of lightning protection and earthing systems, Nationwide was asked to play an important part in the development of the stadium and surrounding area.

Director Sam Spence said: “I was over the moon when we were approached and asked to go and work on the stadium.

“It’s an honour to be involved in such an important event and nice to know we have had something to do with it.”

Nationwide has been tasked with earthing six miles of electric security fencing which surrounds the Olympic stadium through the installation of a comprehensive network.

“When I first saw the stadium I just couldn’t take in the size of it; it is gigantic,” said Sam.

“It is amazing to think we have been working there and watched it develop. Even the people who have bought tickets won’t have seen the backbone of it like we have, which is quite something.”

Nationwide has been working on the Olympic project for about a year, taking a team to London on a regular basis and even working through the night to meet deadlines.

They have also had the task of making the Temple Mills Lane Footbridge bridge safe, which is going to be used by thousands of pedestrians on their way to the athletes’ village.

Sam said: “Without earthing protection the fence and the bridge could be a real danger to the public.

“It’s good for our team who have been working on this to know that we have had a big part in making it a safe place to be,” he said.

“To be involved in such a huge project for the UK is fantastic; when the games start we will feel quite proud that we were there and part of it.”