ENGINEERING firm Tharsus has designed a custom-built frame to enhance disabled athlete Stephen Miller’s athletic performance at this year’s Paralympic Games in London.

The Blyth-based company provides engineering and contract manufacturing services and was chosen by Northumberland-born Miller, one of Britain’s longest serving athletes.

The Paralympian will represent Great Britain for the fifth time when he competes this year. He has won a medal every year since 1996.

When Miller learned he would be competing this year in the club throw event, he was keen to develop his frame to help his training and improve his distances.

He chose to work with Tharsus, just up the road from his home town of Cramlington, Northumberland.

Brian Palmer, chief executive at Tharsus said: “Even though the majority of our work is based around medium volume manufacturing, projects such as Stephen’s bespoke frame are a great chance for our engineers to solve new problems and gain experience across a wide variety of disciplines.”

Miller’s original frame’s vertical back restricted his movement, meaning he was unable to throw to his true potential. The new frame is fixed to the ground and works by strapping the athlete in by his thighs, allowing him to use all his force to throw a club with the free range of movement.

Miller said: “I have worked hard for years, studying with research professors in laboratory situations to try and find out how I can better improve my athletic abilities.

“Tharsus has helped me take one step closer to achieving more by creating a frame tailored to my needs and I have already seen a vast improvement in my achievements.”

Formed in 1964 by two former Reyrolle employees following a football pools win, Tharsus employs more than 170 people across its Hebburn and Blyth plants.